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Crossrail Bill

We have given a clear undertaking that we believe that it can. I would like to deal with the contributions of hon. Members. My hon. Friend the Member for Ilford, South (Mike Gapes) made a point about the constituency benefits. He acknowledged difficulties around construction, but felt that the benefits outweighed them. He was glad to support the Bill, although he was aware that some petitions might come from his constituency. Despite the instruction, he felt that there were clear benefits from the Bill. He specifically mentioned the overcrowding of the Central line and stressed the importance of it being part of an integrated network. My right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr. Raynsford) made a powerful speech about several issues in his constituency, particularly about the need for a Woolwich station. As he knows, there has been considerable discussion about that. Concerns have been expressed in his constituency—my hon. Friend the Member for Eltham (Clive Efford) also made the point in his speech—about the affordability of the development and the number of passengers who would want to use the station. It would be deep underground and the depth would obviously add to the cost. I have said, and have written to my right hon. Friend, that we shall reconsider whether the proposal is possible but, at this stage, the case has not been made.