§ 41. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Transport how many miles of main railway line have been electrified in Great Britain; and whether plans have been prepared for the electrification of other portions of the main line railway system?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAs at the 31st December, 1926, the latest date for which complete information is available, 946 track miles of the railway lines of the four Amalgamated Companies, were worked either wholly or partly by electric traction. In addition, 295 track miles of railways belonging to other companies, mainly operating in London, were worked by electric traction on that date. As regards the last part of the question, I understand that the principal railway companies have the question of railway electrification constantly before them.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the figures he has given include some portion of the lines of the main line railways?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have given the hon. Member the total amount of the lines of the four amalgamated companies.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman encouraging the railway companies to proceed with this very important work of electrification?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI should very warmly welcome any extension of electrification.
§ Major CRAWFURDCan the right hon. Gentleman give any figure as to the number of miles of main railway lines; I mean main railway lines which cover long distance traffic?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIf the hon. Member will put that question down, I will get the information.
§ Mr. HARDIEIn view of the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman that he would be glad to help forward the work of electrification, may I ask whether he or the Government are taking steps to prevent combines and profiteering companies from holding up prices, thereby preventing the work from going on smoothly and quickly?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI do not accept the statement of the hon. Member as being correct.
§ Mr. HARDIEWhat about the Southern Railway?