§ 26. Mr. Hooleyasked the Minister of Transport what is the policy of the Government on railway electrification.
§ Mr. FowlerI am awaiting the findings of the joint British Railways board—Department of Transport review of the case for a programme of main-line electrification. I am meanwhile prepared to look in the normal way at any schemes the board puts to me.
§ Mr. HooleyDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that not only is electrification important for modernisation and saving fuel but that it would generate important orders throughout a large number of industries, and consequently increase employment generally?
§ Mr. FowlerThe case for electrification has many advantages, but we must wait for the departmental review to finish, and then I shall try to make a decision as early as possible. I realise the concern and interest of the railway industry, apart from anyone else, in that decision.
§ Mr. AndersonDoes the right hon. Gentleman accept that the case for railway electrification is growing stronger month by month as a result of the energy crisis? Will he seek to ensure that British Rail is given funds which might be over and above its normal investment funds because of the overwhelming national need?
§ Mr. FowlerClearly, as I have said, I accept that there is a strong case for electrification, but I must stand by what I have already said—that there is a review in operation. It was started by the Labour Government, and I do not think that those who served as Ministers in that Government would expect a decision on the matter until the review had come to an end.
§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonIn supporting the call for further electrification of the railways, will my right hon. Friend also consider the possibility of encouraging British Rail to provide more free car parking to encourage more people to use the excellent services that are available on British Rail, which will save—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Car parking is another question, which ought to go on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettIs the Minister aware of the anxiety in Manchester and Sheffield about the possibility that the Manchester to Sheffield line via Woodhead, which is already electrified, 1314 will be closed? May we have an assurance that no closure of that line will be permitted until the review is completed?
§ Mr. FowlerI understand that the line's future is still being discussed by the Railways board and the rail unions and that no decision has yet been taken.