HC Deb 11 November 1969 vol 791 cc159-60
14. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Minister of Transport what is the total sum which will be authorised for capital investment for British Railways in 1970; and what were the total sums spent on capital investment by British Railways in 1967 and 1965.

Mr. Mulley

Up to £76 million in 1970. The board invested —121 million in 1965 and —96 million in 1967.

Mr. Taylor

Is not it deplorable that, unlike that for all the other industries in the public sector, the capital expenditure allowed to the railways has been reduced in each of the past five years? Does the Minister really think that the figure of £76 million will be adequate to enable British Rail to carry on with modernisation and electrification?

Mr. Mulley

The earlier figures include some expenditure on activities that have since been transferred to the National Freight Corporation and the Scottish Transport Group, but British Rail is getting a fair share of the allocation for public investment in nationalised industries. Whilst in all fields of our endeavour we would like to see more investment, I am satisfied that this is adequate to carry on the modernisation programme and satisfy the requirement that the investment is likely to be profitable in the long run.

Mr. Rankin

Can my right hon. Friend say how much of this sum will be invested in modernising the railway between Crewe and Glasgow?

Mr. Mulley

I cannot give a specific sum for a particular section of line. There is considerable new signaling expenditure going on, and there is the question before me, for a decision which I hope to announce shortly, of the proposed electrification from Weaver Junction to Glasgow. But I cannot give the specific figure.