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Kelly to fast-track Crossrail Bill
14.07.08
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly is seeking to push the Crossrail Bill through Parliament before MPs and peers go on their holidays.
The legislation, which will allow the £16billion east-west rail scheme for London to go ahead, cleared the Commons in December and is being debated in the Lords next Tuesday, the day Parliament rises.
But the Government has signalled its determination to get the Bill through without further delay to allow the biggest engineering project since the Channel Tunnel to progress. Commons Leader Harriet Harman said: "The House will not adjourn until the Speaker has signified Royal Assent."
Passing the legislation in effect gives the scheme outline planning permission and will allow for land to be bought.
Crossrail will provide 24 trains per hour into central London, improving rail links to the West End, the City and Docklands and easing congestion.
