§ 55. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when the electrification of the Euston—Glasgow main line will commence; which section will be undertaken first; and when it is expected that the Euston—Rugby section will be completed.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe pilot section in Lancashire and Cheshire should be in operation by the middle of 1958, but it is not possible at this stage to say when the section of the line from Euston to Rugby will be ready. It is hoped that the whole line from Euston to Manchester and Liverpool will be completed by 1967.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs the Minister aware that that is a long time to wait, particularly for my constituents who still suffer from a serious smoke nuisance, especially in the Chalk Farm area? That is one of the many reasons why the plan is urgent. Will the Minister do his best to speed up matters?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI know that the hon. Member is in touch with the Transport Commission, which, I know, is doing all that it can, but the problem is a difficult one. The Euston—Rugby section will, however, be ready a long time before the whole line is completed. The Commission will do the best it can.
§ Mr. PopplewellWill the Minister confirm that the progress being made with the modernisation plan is well up to expectations? I believe that it is, but I should like the right hon. Gentleman's confirmation. It is a tremendous task.
§ Mr. WatkinsonIt is a tremendous task, and it is actually ahead of schedule.