HC Deb 10 March 1969 vol 779 cc946-7
35. Mr. Gwynfor Evans

asked the Minister of Transport what plans have been submitted to him for electrifying railways in Wales.

Mr. Carmichael

None, Sir.

Mr. Evans

Is the Minister aware that in Denmark, which has no coal resources to generate electricity, there are hundreds of miles of electrified railway and that in Switzerland, which likewise has no supplies of coal, the whole system is electrified? Is it not a scandal that in Wales, which is bursting with electricity and exporting a great deal of it, there is not a mile of electrified railway and there are no plans to build one?

Mr. Carmichael

I do not think anyone would doubt that electrification has many benefits in particular instances. In the case of Wales, as with all other developments of British Railways it is a matter for British Railways to submit proposals to my right hon. Friend, who always gives them the greatest sympathetic consideration.