§ 47. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Transport what effect his recent decisions will have upon the electrification of the London Midland main line from Euston to Glasgow; and when he now expects the Euston-Crewe section to be completed.
§ Mr. MarplesAs I stated in the House on 26th October, the British Transport Commission has prepared a reassessment of the London Midland electrification scheme. This is being examined by my Ministry, in consultation with the Commission, as a matter of urgency.
§ Mr. RobinsonDoes the Minister mean by "reassessment" a slowing up, which seems to be implied by his cut in the capital investment programme? Is he aware that the air pollution over a large area of my constituency will be intolerable until this electrification is completed? If it is a good idea to do this, surely it is a better idea to do it as rapidly as possible?
§ Mr. MarplesIt is difficult to discuss the London Midland electrification scheme by Question and Answer. I can assure the hon. Member that it is a very complicated subject.
§ Mr. BennDoes not the right hon. Gentleman recollect that the Select Committee recommended the completion of the London Midland electrification as rapidly as possible, because the longer the transitional period goes on, the longer there will be two types of traction and the greater the loss on that line?
§ Mr. MarplesI will bear that in mind, and I will also bear in mind the British Transport Commission's own reassessment of the problem.