§ Lord Braybrookeasked Her Majesty's Government:
How much they are contributing to the cost of weatherproofing the British Rail system, and whether these improvements will be effected before the onset of next winter.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Transport (Lord Brabazon of Tara)British Rail has announced a programme of improvements to the railway's ability to deal with severe weather. No request has been put to the Government for additional funding specifically for this, purpose, but any costs attributable to the supported sectors (Network SouthEast and Regional Railways) will be eligible for PSO grant in the usual way. The timing of improvements is a matter for British Rail within the overall funds available to it.