Crossrail Adjournment Debated

12.00.00am GMT Tue 20th Jan 2004

Dr Jenny Tonge, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park spoke in an Adjournment Debate in Westminster Hall on Wednesday January 14th 2004. The MP had called the debate to address concerns about the potential blight on constituents' properties caused by the consultation on Crossrail.Dr Tonge was seeking reassurance from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Mr Tony McNulty, that, in the event of the Kingston to Richmond section of Crossrail not going ahead, the "safeguarding" of the route would be lifted immediately.

Dr Tonge also asked: "How many alternatives that would retain both the vital link that the District Line provides and protect properties have been considered? The minister responded by saying that, as far as safeguarding the route was concerned "there will not be any safe-guarding for anything other than the central core until we know where we are with the project and how it will proceed."

The Minister did acknowledge, however, the seriousness of Dr Tonge's concerns.

ENDS

For further information please contact Jenny Tonge on pager number 07699 734071 or Serena Hennessy on: 020 8332 7919Notes for Editors: Full text of debate at http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmhansrd/cm040114/halltext/40114h04.htm#40114h04_head0