HC Deb 01 February 1939 vol 343 cc189-90
20. Mr. White

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to a scheme for the electrification of certain sections of main line railways so selected that the major benefits of general electrification would be afforded within a fraction of time and cost thereof; and whether he will consider the advisability of setting up a Departmental Committee to consider the matter?

Mr. Burgin

No Sir. My attention has not been drawn to any such scheme nor do I know of it, but if the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of the scheme to which he refers I will consider whether it is one which I might suitably bring to the attention of the main line railway companies.

Mr. Crossley

Would not any such scheme do great damage to the coal trade without any compensating advantage?

Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

Will my right hon. Friend do his best to discourage the use of the Southern Railway's death rail system?