Written question asked by Gwyneth Dunwoody (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 November 2005. It was answered by Karen Buck (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 November 2005 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

London Olympics

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of whether the transport arrangement for the 2012 Olympic Games will be efficient without the completion of the Thameslink box development;

Answer: The transport schemes needed for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games were set out in the Bid documents submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in November 2004. In addition, in February 2005 the Department announced that, following a review, the King's Cross Northern Ticket Hall and Western Concourse would be completed in time for the 2012 Games. This will improve the passenger interchange with the Olympic. Javelin Service operating out of St. Pancras.The Thameslink Box was not included in the Olympic Bid documents or in any subsequent commitments to the IOC. Modelling produced in the development of the Bid has shown that adequate facilities will be in place at King's Cross and St. Pancras to cope with Olympic spectators. However, the Department is investigating the feasibility of an earlier fit out of the box in line with the completion of the CTRL Project and the transfer of Eurostar services to St. Pancras.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 31811; 440 c566W;440 c564-5W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Construction Greater London Olympic Games Railway stations Railways St Pancras Station Thameslink Rail
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk