The Crossrail Bill was a so called hybrid bill which traditionally is used by the Government on behalf of railway companies and transport agencies to obtain authorisation for major projects deemed to be in the national interest, but which would also affect a large number of private interests. Such bills have been used periodically for rail and other major projects such as the Channel Tunnel, the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and the Dartford Tunnel.
The procedure adopted gives individuals and bodies, such as businesses or local authorities an opportunity to oppose the bill or to seek its amendment before a Select Committee in either or both the House of Commons and House of Lords.
This parliamentary process also enables detailed scrutiny of any amendments proposed to be made to the Bill that are desirable to ensure that a project of this scale and complexity can be completed satisfactorily.
Transcripts and reports from the House of Commons and House of Lords Select Committees are available through these links:
The Bill was enacted on 22nd July 2008 when it completed all the Parliamentary stages and received Royal Assent to become The Crossrail Act (2008). Gaining the Act of Parliament is the most significant milestone to date, giving permission for the railway to be built, operated and maintained.
