Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bob Blackman and Paul Maynard

Thursday 30th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Paul Maynard]

This is not being delayed until the new franchise. It will happen very soon. As I explained in my answer to an earlier question, we have received a proposal for new carriages from Southeastern. We have only had it a week and we are looking at it now. We want things to happen as soon as possible.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

The long-promised extension of the Metropolitan line from Croxley Green is running into financial difficulties. What assessment has my right hon. Friend made of the project, and what discussions have taken place with the Mayor of London and Transport for London?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bob Blackman and Paul Maynard

Thursday 15th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

10. What plans he has for expansion of the proposed Crossrail network.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Paul Maynard)]

There are no current plans to extend the Crossrail route. Any proposed extension would require a strong business case, and would need to be in the best interests of rail passengers.

[Bob Blackman]

Crossrail is on budget and on time, and will dramatically reduce journey times across London. The one area of the capital that does not benefit from it is north-west London, and Harrow and Wealdstone in particular. Will my hon. Friend look at the business case for expanding the network so that all Londoners can benefit from Crossrail?

[Paul Maynard]

My hon. Friend is right to point out the connectivity benefits of Crossrail. I know that it has looked at the possibility of an extension through Harrow and Wealdstone, which he has been campaigning for, and into Hertfordshire, to join the west coast main line there. That was found by Crossrail, Transport for London and Network Rail to offer poor value for money, so we are not taking it forward at this time, but of course we always keep the issue under review.