§ 45. Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Minister of Transport what decision he has made on the route improvement and electrification schemes recently submitted to him by the Railways Board; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarshI regret that I am not yet able to add anything to the answer given to my hon. Friend on 3rd February.—[Vol. 777, c. 17–18.]
§ Mr. AtkinsIs my right hon. Friend aware that since 1945 all electrification schemes, with the exception of one, have occurred in the South and Midlands of England? In that case would it not be in conformity with the Government's regional policies for priority to be given to this line which traverses, in the main, development areas?
§ Mr. MarshOne of the things we are doing at the present time is evaluating this particular project. It involves a lot of money; we are talking of something 948 costing about £55 million; it is a very big piece of investment, and we are determining its priority.
Mr. Edward M. TaylorCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to give a decision on the line north of Crewe, and in the absence of this, whether the advanced passenger train may be available on that route?