49. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Minister of Transport if he has arrived at a decision on the request by British Railways to proceed with the electrification of the main line from Crewe to Glasgow; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Albert Murray)As my right hon. Friend told the hon. Member on 22nd October [Vol. 788, c. 292], he hopes to make a decision shortly.
Mr. TaylorWhile I hope that the decision will be favourable, may I ask the Minister to indicate whether in the meantime the contract for signalling will 825 be of such type as will allow for electrification, and would he bear in mind that in each of the last four years the investment allocation of British Railways has been reduced?
§ Mr. MurrayWe should want notice of that question.
§ Mr. Ronald AtkinsIn view of the fact that the Minister has so readily accepted electrification schemes for the Greater London area, even when such schemes are uneconomic, why can he not put on a little more speed when it comes to electrification in areas that need electrification much more?
§ Mr. MurrayAs I have said, my right hon. Friend hopes to give his decision on this matter shortly. I do not think at this stage the House will want me to go further than that.