HC Deb 03 July 2000 vol 353 cc91-2W
Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans London Underground has developed to cope with the increase in traffic at King's Cross-St. Pancras underground station once Phase II of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link is completed with King's Cross-St. Pancras as its terminus; and if he will place a copy of these plans in the Library. [128371]

Mr. Hill

Improvements to King's Cross-St. Pancras underground station have always been envisaged as part of the works for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. In January 1999 my predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead and Highgate (Ms Jackson), announced that these improvements were to go ahead and be financed by Government as part of their contribution to the link.

The improvements include two new ticket halls and new passageways at the station which will double its existing capacity and allow it to cope with the expected influx of passengers using Eurostar when the high speed link to the Channel Tunnel opens. They will also meet the requirements of the Fennel report into the King's Cross underground station fire. Construction is due to start later this year and be completed in time for the opening of the full link (currently expected in 2007).

I will arrange for a copy of an outline plan for the new ticket halls to placed in the Library of the House.