HC Deb 03 June 1981 vol 5 cc919-20
13. Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how much investment has taken place in British Railways suburban passenger rolling stock, track and equipment in 1979, 1980 and 1981 to the most recent practicable date; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Fowler

I understand from the British Railways Board that actual expenditure on new rolling stock for suburban rail services amounted to £27 million in 1979, £50 million in 1980 and will probably reach £43 million in 1981. Most track and equipment is used jointly by various services, and investment in these items for suburban services is not readily identifiable.

Mr. Cryer

Has the Minister seen the current issue of Railnews in which the chairman of British Rail says that there will be no new rail investment in 1981 and that this is a most critical time for British Railways? With a projected decline in investment in 1981, is it not time that the Government took action to provide British Rail with large funds in order to inject new investment particularly for suburban rail services—the replacement of the diesel multiple unit fleet, for example—to attract new passengers to British Rail? With 2½ million people unemployed, is not it the Government's duty to attempt to reduce the dole queue by action of this kind?

Mr. Fowler

The investment ceiling of £325 million is the same as it was under the Labour Government and has been maintained. As a nation, we are providing direct support, both nationally and locally, of more than £700 million. There is, therefore, absolutely no question about the Government's commitment to the railway industry. As I have already said, we are making important decisions concerning future investment in some areas of British Rail. I hope to be able to make a statement on that in due course.

Mr. R. C. Mitchell

Is the Minister aware that much of the rolling stock, at least in the Southern Region, is hopelessly out of date? Will he have talks with the British Railways Board to see whether something can be done about this urgently?

Mr. Fowler

I am always willing to talk to the British Railways Board on specific matters. About 23 per cent. of British Rail investment goes to the London commuter services each year, but I shall of course discuss any specific points with the chairman of the board.

Mr. Booth

Will the Secretary of State confirm that Sir Peter Parker has informed him that, in his view, it is crucial that the rail investment limit should rise to £567 million per year? If the Secretary of State shortly reappoints Sir Peter Parker to his present position, may we take it from that that he has reached broad agreement with him on this point?

Mr. Fowler

The implication of the right hon. Gentleman's question is that there is some connection between the reappointment of Sir Peter Parker and investment levels. That is not the case and it has certainly not been raised by Sir Peter Parker at any stage.