The Select Committee considering the rail link, which will consider petitions from January, could take more than a year to examine witnesses, amid signs that the Government is losing enthusiasm for the plan. There are also concerns that the Department for Transport is taking a hard line with objectors and seems to be unwilling to negotiate.

Robbie Owen, of Bircham Dyson Bell, the solicitors that represent 99 of the objectors, said: “The Select Committee has had its first sitting, yet very few petitions have been withdrawn. This does not bode well for those who want to see Crossrail built.”

A senior rail industry source said that there was scepticism about whether the Government was giving its full backing.

Last week Crossrail was granted £100 million by the Department for Transport, but there had been expectations that a higher sum would have been given.

Gordon Brown is thought to be keeping the project alive, at least until he is in No 10, in the hope of winning favour with London MPs, whose support he will need to be elected as leader of the Labour Party.

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