HC Deb 09 February 1955 vol 536 c1899
42. Mr. McAdden

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when he now expects the electrification of the Fenchurch Street—Shoeburyness railway to be completed.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As I indicated during yesterday's debate, planning and survey work is going ahead, and one major engineering work has already been authorised. Date of completion depends, among other things, on availability of the necessary equipment.

Mr. McAdden

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask if his attention has been drawn to the speed with which the Dutch carried out electrification of their railways—at the rate of 1 km. a day? Will he urge the British Transport Commission to get a similar move on?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The task in this country is naturally very much greater than that in Holland, although I agree with my hon. Friend that it is always wise to learn from the example of other countries where authorities carry out a job efficiently.