The Rt. Hon. A.J. Barnes, M.P., Minister of Transport, declared open the first section of the eastern extension of the Central London Railway from Liverpool Street to Stratford. The extension is the first link in one of London's Transport most important schemes - ultimately the service will be extended to Loughton, Essex, Newbury Park and Ongar. Tunnels for the extension, totalling 8 1/4 miles in length, were driven before the war, and during hostilities, used as shelter. Picture shows: The golden key which the Minister of Transport (right) used to open signalling system to inaugurate a new extension to Stratford is handed to him by John Cliff Esq., J.P., Chairman of the London County Council and member of the London Passenger Transport Board at the ceremony at Liverpool Street. 3 December 1946