'Huge, huge' problems to build Crossrail

Huge challenges remain to secure the funding for Crossrail, Transport Minister Tony McNulty has confirmed.

Mr McNulty said the cross-London rail link was an " extraordinarily complex" project and depended on organisers and the Government overcoming "huge, huge" problems involving planning, engineering and finance.

But he insisted the $10billion project was "absolutely vital" and pledged the legislation would receive its second reading before May, the expected date of the general election.

Mr McNulty told a Labour conference fringe meeting Crossrail must happen if London was to avoid serious congestion and remain a major business centre. The Government was committed to provide between ?1billion and ?3billion of the budget, he said.