HC Deb 05 April 1978 vol 947 cc428-9
16. Mr. Cowans

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy towards the representations made about current levels of rail investment expressed by the Central Transport Consultative Committee for Great Britain in its annual report; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. William Rodgers

I am grateful for the committee's views. I am aware of the importance of investment to the future of the railways.

Mr. Cowans

Will my right hon. Friend accept that the Central Transport Consultative Committee expresses a deep anxiety felt by many organisations with a knowledge of the railways about the inadequate levels of investment within the industry? Will he further accept that decisions in favour of increased investment are urgently required to allow the industry to tool up so as to make possible the expansion that is needed at the end of the decade?

Mr. Rodgers

I know that there are anxieties about investment in the industry, and my hon. Friend and other right hon. and hon. Members have expressed them in the House previously. I hope very much that the more stable future that we have given to the railways and their developing business will justify higher levels of investment in the future. We shall have to see. Meanwhile, I am certainly prepared to consider the proposals which are brought before me by British Railways.

Mr. Whitehead

Does my right hon. Friend agree that one significant investment that could be made in the expansion of the railway network is a commitment now to restart the Channel Tunnel? Will he confirm or deny the reports that appeared in The Times on Monday of this week that discussions are going on for a modified version of the tunnel?

Mr. Rodgers

I think that the prospect of a Channel Tunnel comes into a somewhat different category. I am certainly not taking part in any discussions of the kind that my hon. Friend mentions, but I recognise that a Channel Tunnel could be of importance, to railways both in this country and on the Continent, and might result in more freight being carried by rail.

Mr. Donald Stewart

Is the Secretary of State aware that the Government missed a great chance when they abandoned the Channel Tunnel as they could have blocked it at each end with a Concorde and killed two birds with one stone?