§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how he now envisages the crossrail project being taken forward; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorIn view of the fact that the private Bill originally promoted by London Underground and British Rail cannot now be progressed, I have agreed with the promoters that they should instead seek powers for the project under the Transport and Works Act 1992. They will start work on this at once. It remains the Government's policy that the project should be financed as a joint venture, with a substantial private sector contribution.