38 and 39. Lieut.-Commander KEN-WORTHYasked the Minister of Transport (1) whether in connection with the proposals for electrifying the main-line railways, his Department has considered the advantages of Diesel electric-traction working in conjunction with full electrification; and whether this system will be fully examined before a decision is arrived at;
(2) whether he has had reports on the working of the Diesel electric-traction system on a number of important railway systems abroad and in the British Dominions, including the Canadian railways, the Swiss Federal railways, and the Buenos Ayres and Great Southern Railway system, the latter being British controlled and managed?
§ Mr. PARKINSONThe potentialities of the oil electric system of traction, particularly for use on lightly loaded branch lines, are discussed in the report of the Weir Committee which had information as to the working of the system on the Buenos Ayres Great Southern, Swiss Federal Railways and elsewhere. Experience of the system is at present limited to certain special requirements, but I understand that the British Railway Companies are investigating it, and my right hon. Friend proposes to ask them for information as to the results of any experiments undertaken.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDo I understand that before any final decision is reached, the Minister will thoroughly review the whole situation as regards this method of transport?