HC Deb 29 April 1981 vol 3 cc780-1
14. Mr. Marks

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received on the desirability of extending the electrification of the British railway system.

19. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the chairman of British Railways on the implementation of the electrification programme.

Mr. Fowler

I have received many representations in favour of extending the electrification of the British railway system. The chairman of British Rail and I have discussed the question of electrification on a number of occasions and I hope to be able to make a statement soon.

Mr. Marks

Has the Minister had any advice against the electrification proposals? Does he agree that electrification would be a valuable and timely investment, not only for the railways but for the country as a whole, as well as being a useful base for a growing export industry?

Mr. Fowler

The bulk of the representations that we have received are in favour of electrification, but there is a considerable amount of money involved and clearly it is reasonable that the Government should take some little time to look at all the various schemes that have been put forward.

Mr. Roberts

Will the Secretary of State accept that there is no time to waste, and that investment in early electrification of the railways is vital to the whole of British industry? Will he accept that electrification would be a massive boost to a wide range of British industry, and that it is the only way in which the Government can prevent unemployment from touching 3 million or even 3½million in the coming year?

Mr. Fowler

We want to make a decision as soon as possible. I accept what the hon. Gentleman says in that respect. The largest option before us would cost about £750 million. It is reasonable, therefore, that the Government should take some time to study the details, while at the same time remembering the hon. Gentleman's point about the considerable advantage that electrification would bring to much of the private sector industry supplying the equipment.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Will my right hon. Friend say how long the electrification of the railways would take? I understand that it would take a number of years. Therefore, the short-term effect on employment one way or another would not be very great.

Mr. Fowler

It would depend on the option that was chosen, but it would take between 15 and 20 years. We have estimated that it would involve about 2,000 new jobs.

Mr. Les Huckfield

Does the Minister understand that there is a great deal of wide support throughout each side of British industry for option 5 of the proposals that he has before him? Does he realise that, when both the TUC and the CBI are unanimous on proceeding with the maximum level of rail electrification, he should consider aligning himself with them?

Mr. Fowler

We recognise the considerable support of the CBI, the TUC and many other bodies that are in favour of electrification. We shall seek to make a decision on the question as soon as possible. We are thinking in terms of perhaps a couple of months. But it is reasonable that the Government should examine carefully all the forecasts that have been made concerning electrification before coming to a final decision. It is an important decision, not only for the railways but for industry generally.

Mr. Dover

Is the Secretary of State able to say whether it will be possible for private sector funding to be made available for the electrification work?

Mr. Fowler

British Rail is currently exploring the prospects with its financial advisers. Clearly, the Government would be willing to consider proposals in this respect.