HC Deb 10 August 1966 vol 733 c1680
10. Mr. Webster

asked the Minister of Transport what reduction has been made in the investment programme of British Railways since 20th July, 1966.

Mrs. Castle

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Basingstoke (Mr. David Mitchell) on 5th August.

Mr. Webster

Is this just a vague and arbitrary figure, or will the right hon. Lady give us details of what the cuts will be?

Mrs. Castle

No, it is not an arbitrary figure. It is obviously for the Railways Board to give very careful consideration as to where it can make the cuts without, as it is made clear, in any way interfering with the development of the modern railways system which it is now engaged in producing.

Mr. Galbraith

Can the right hon. Lady say whether the cuts will affect the electrification of the railway line to Scotland?

Mrs. Castle

The necessary studies into the feasibility of extending electrification to Glasgow have not been completed. Therefore, no decision has been made on that investment, and so it is not included in the cut.