§ 25. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Transport what applications for capital investment have now been made to him for the modernisation of Stoke-on-Trent station; for what other stations of the North Staffordshire railway line similar applications have been made; and what information he has been given about expected completion dates.
§ Mr. MarplesThe British Railways Board has not put to me specific proposals for capital investment at stations on this line. But I understand that, within the Board's general investment programmes, improvements have been carried out at a number of stations, and others are planned for completion between now and the end of 1965. The works proposed at Stoke station will be completed during 1965.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithDoes that also include the electrification of the line between Stoke and Crewe? Is the Minister aware that those of us who have worked on electrical equipment to be supplied all over the world are now getting satisfaction that, thanks to nationalisation, Britain's railways are being electrified and brought up to the maximum efficiency?
§ Mr. MarplesI would not go the whole way in agreeing with the hon. Member's supplementary question. There is a lot of work connected with electrification, the lengthening of platforms, track remodelling, relighting, signalling works, and so on, costing about £1¾ million; and there is no doubt that quite a sum of money is being spent in this area.