34. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Minister of Transport when the major electrification scheme on British Railways, which was postponed as a result of the post-devaluation cuts, will now be carried out.
§ Mr. John MorrisI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Bromsgrove (Mr. Dance) on 20th December last.—[Vol. 756, c. 408.]
Mr. TaylorWould it not help the railways more to allow them to go ahead with this important scheme, rather than with the expensive nonsense of the Transport Bill?
§ Mr. MorrisWe have made clear to the Railways Board where it stands with regard to this scheme, and I think that in the interests of the nation as a whole, and British Railways in particular, it will welcome the Transport Bill.
§ Mr. Ronald AtkinsIs my hon. Friend aware that the electrification of this line will do a tremendous amount to carry forward to success the Government's regional policies?
§ Mr. MorrisYes, obviously this scheme is very important, and, in due time, if the Board makes a fair proposal, 415 we shall have to examine it against all the other considerations in the development of this part of the world.