HC Deb 21 February 1979 vol 963 cc407-9
11. Mr. Spriggs

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the total track mileage of each railway system in each European Economic Community country and the extent of Government subsidies made in each instance, respectively, in the last two years for which this information is available; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Horam

The latest years for which this information is available are 1974 and 1975 and I will arrange for it to be published in the Official Report. Great care is needed in interpreting international comparisons of this kind.

Mr. Spriggs

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Government are again freezing British Rail investment this year to £312 million, while the smaller Italian railway network is investing £480 million for the same period? Why cannot British Rail have that kind of investment?

Mr. Horam

I would prefer to put the matter in different terms. I do not think that we are freezing investment. We are keeping it stable. That is a very satisfactory approach in present circumstances. I would also point out to my hon. Friend that it is difficult to make proper international comparisons. The large sums sometimes quoted in France and West Germany reflect different circumstances.

Mr. Forman

Does the Minister accept that one of the main causes of decreased revenue for British Rail and the possible need for increased subsidy has been inter-union disputes? What action is his Department taking to encourage the formation of a single union throughout the railway industry on the Continental pattern?

Mr. Ronald Atkins

It is not his responsibility.

Mr. Horam

As my hon. Friend says, that is not a question for my right hon. Friend.

Mrs. Dunwoody

Is my hon. Friend aware that British Rail compares favourably with other EEC rail systems? If it is to be kept in the forefront it must have money to invest in new stock and improvements. Will he make sure that so far as possible that money is available.

Mr. Horam

Yes. My right hon. Friend and I have made clear that we attach great importance to maintaining the right level of investment in British Railways. As my hon. Friend knows, we have made available a new grant for the renewal of assets for passenger business, which has been welcomed by British Rail. We have undertaken to keep investment at a stable level for the foreseeable future.