London's Crossrail should be fast-tracked by the Government, MPs were warned yesterday by leaders of the City of London.

The UK's biggest infrastructure project for 30 years receives a boost today (18 July 2005) when the Crossrail Bill receives its second reading in Parliament.

"Crossrail is a vital large-scale project that will bring immense benefits to the business and wider community in terms of relief from over-crowding and better access but it needs informed public backing from day one and getting answers to legitimate concerns about construction is important, too," said Michael Snyder, chairman of the Corporation of London's Policy and Resources Committee.

"London needs Crossrail and the UK needs Crossrail so we welcome the second reading as a sign of the Government's commitment but now MPs have to ensure the right Crossrail is delivered in the right way.

"The Corporation has backed the cross-London Crossrail plans for more than a decade and we will work to make sure construction-disruption is minimised. The City is no stranger to large-scale building projects but we need to ensure the details are right."

The corporation, which acts as the local authority for the Square Mile financial district and promotes its interests is submitting a detailed petition on the Bill in order to make construction easier and less disruptive to City businesses and residents.

Today's reading marks the start of the last chance to register formal views on Crossrail before year-long hearings in front of House of Commons Select Committee expected to begin in October.

Mr Snyder has been involved in Transport Minister Derek Twigg's high-level Crossrail forum and other meetings designed to smooth progress.

Mr Snyder said: "City firms and residents welcome the progress already made and the commitments won on such issues as building settlement, building works and traffic, noise and disruption to transport - but more needs to be clarified and MPs will have an important role in achieving this.

"Plans are emerging and but will need local amendments to tackle issues raised by local groups.

"Crossrail will help underpin thousands of jobs in the City and will be worth tens of billions of pounds in business and, in time, billions in taxes for the whole of the UK."

Information from the City of London press office.