HC Deb 25 March 1981 vol 1 cc913-4
8. Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what consultations he plans to have, and with what bodies, before decisions on progress on the proposed electrification of the Ayrshire lines are made.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The proposed electrification of the Ayrshire lines is a matter for Strathclyde regional council as part of its responsibility for local transport. It is in touch with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland about the scheme.

Mr. Foulkes

Is the Minister aware that because of the division of responsibility between the Strathclyde PTE, the Secretary of State for Scotland and British Rail, which has a responsibility, there is total confusion about this project? All are waltzing around in circles and no decision is being made. Will the Minister cut the Gordian knot and say how, by whom, and when a decision will be made, before the existing rolling stock falls apart?

Mr. Clarke

British Rail agrees with the need for electrification. The responsibility for financing electrification lies with the Strathclyde PTE. The Government, I understand, have approved that as part of the capital allocation to Strathclyde district council. Consultations are taking place between Strathclyde regional council and the Secretary of State for Scotland on the details of financing, but the responsibility is that of the Strathclyde PTE.

Mr. Allan Stewart

Does my hon. and learned Friend agree that the electrification programme south of Glasgow should be seen as a coherent whole, including the commuter lines in my constituency and elsewhere?

Mr. Clarke

That is the responsibility of the PTE for the Strathclyde region. I hope that it will discharge its responsibility by looking at the overall transport needs of the area.

Mr. Speaker

Order. This question relates to Ayrshire.

Mr. Stephen Ross

We have electricity on the Isle of Wight, too, Mr. Speaker. In all this prevarication about the future electrification of the railways, is it not important to come to a decision quickly before firms with the specialist knowledge to do the work go out of business? That is the view that I hear.

Mr. Clarke

My right hon. Friend has confirmed that the Government will come to a decision in two months. This is one of the most critical decisions that the Government have to take for the future of the railways. The problem in Ayrshire is slightly different. It is a question of the Strathclyde PTE reaching conclusions on how to finance the electrification that is wanted.