Minister fails to give guarantee on Crossrail extensions

27.07.10
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FEARS grew today that the eastern and western extensions of Crossrail may be delayed.
Transport Secretary Philip Hammond refused to give MPs a guarantee the £16 billion line will be completed as planned by 2017. He told the Commons transport committee: "The Government's objective is to deliver the whole of the Crossrail route network."But it's clear that that has to be affordable, and we are still at a relatively early stage of the project in terms of having a fixed handle on the costs." Angie Bray, Tory MP for Ealing Central and Acton, said the best return on investment would come from ensuring the extensions to Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east, and Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, were built.
Mr Hammond admitted there was a link between fare revenue and the extensions as many commuters will use them. But he added: "Fare revenue is only one part of ... a complex financing equation. The joint sponsors have an obligation to taxpayers to ensure that the project delivers value for money."
The Govenment is contributing £5.1 billion, a levy on firms will raise £3.5 billion, and £2.7 billion will be borrowed on the back of future fare revenue. More cash will come from other private sources.
