§ 15. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Transport what is the allocation of capital expenditure by British Railways for modernising, improving, and strengthening railway track on routes subject to subsidence during the current year; and what expenditure is budgeted for the same purpose for each of the next three years.
§ Mr. CarmichaelThe cost of track strengthening consequent on subsidence is charged to revenue account and amounts to about £300,000 per annum.
§ Mr. OsbornNow that the eastern route has been abandoned, the fastest train schedules between Sheffield and London are slower than they have been for over a decade and average speeds are 10 miles an hour slower than on any inter-city service to major cities. This is because of the weakness of the track on the Midland route. Would the hon. Gentleman ensure that priority is given to strengthening it?
§ Mr. CarmichaelThe Railways Board is giving priority to strengthening the track and to laying continuous welded 19 rails at particularly bad sections, but the question of the level of services which are thought necessary and which can be economically provided between any two points is for the Railways Board.
§ Mr. ManuelWould my hon. Friend say how much subsidence arises from the fact that during mining operations sufficient support has not been left?
§ Mr. CarmichaelUnderground workings are the major cause of subsidence. I should need notice of a question about the breakdown of the figures, if they are known. The railways have the job of strengthening the surface to take the trains and to run them at a reasonable speed.