§ 6. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what progress has been made under the capital modernisation programme approved by him in the transfer from steam to diesel engines on Scottish railways.
§ The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Harold Watkinson)I understand from the British Transport Commission that since January, 1955, multiple unit diesel services have been introduced on six main line and five suburban routes, and experimental diesel rail bus services on two routes in Scotland. Diesel vehicles now provide about 16 per cent. of passenger train miles in Scotland. Further transfer to diesel traction is intended.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Minister agree that those steps are quite inadequate to carry out what is said to be the policy of the Government, namely, to repopulate the north of Scotland and to bring industry there? Will he see that the essential electrification takes place in order to carry out what is said to be Government policy?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI do not agree with what the hon. and learned Member has said. In fact, Scotland has had exactly its share of dieselisation because the national figure is 16 per cent. No doubt schemes for electrification will be pressed forward, but that is not the Question which was asked.
§ Mr. WoodburnCan the Minister give particulars of the success or otherwise of the portable electrical battery train which has been running?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI understand that it has brought a lot of passengers back to the railway but it is too early to say whether that will make it profitable.