HC Deb 25 March 1981 vol 1 cc915-7
11. Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the latest figure for the total mileage of double track railway line converted to single line over the past five years; and what are the main reasons for conversion.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I understand from the British Railways Board that 65 miles of double track railway line have been converted to single track during the past five years. The main reason is to reduce costs by bringing track capacity into line with traffic levels.

Mr. Ross

Does the Minister accept that moving from double to single track will interfere with the frequency of the service? Does he agree that a fast, efficient and reliable train service is the best way to promote an increase in passenger and freight transport? That would be best served by double track.

Mr. Clarke

I do not have great technical expertise in these areas. Whether it delays the services depends on the volume of traffic that wants to move along the double or single track. The reductions are part of a sensible process to ensure that we are investing in facilities that actually match the traffic demand and avoid wasteful expendture on over-provision of track.

Mr. Lang

When my hon. and learned Friend considers the electrification of the Ayrshire lines, will he also consider electrifying the single track line to Stranraer as part of a coherent whole?

Mr. Clarke

In the recent review of electrification proposals some account was taken of these local electrification schemes, which are primarily the responsibility of the Strathclyde PTE. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is anxious to hold discussions to ensure that the Strathclyde PTE can finance justifiable projects.

Mr. Cryer

Does the Minister accept that the main criteria of both the single and double track service are that the service should be efficient and reasonably speedy so that it attracts and retains passengers? Has not investment in British Railways now reached a stage where the diesel multiple unit stock is no longer fast and efficient due to maintenance problems? Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that because of the cost difficulties of maintaining the track British Railways are having to cut speeds so much in some areas that services cannot be maintained? Does he realise that, although we spend a great deal of money on Britsh Railways, rail transport is a good bargain and more money is needed to maintan services?

Mr. Clarke

The Government have not reduced the investment ceiling for the British Railways Board. We have maintained it, and are continuing to discuss with British Railways their investment needs. There may be a need to renew the diesel multiple unit fleet, but British Railways have not completed their design for the new unit. Such problems must be overcome before we can talk in the terms adopted by the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. John MacKay

Does my hon. and learned Friend accept that one way to increase the efficiency of both double and single track railways would be to move to radio-controlled signalling, which would cut manpower and costs and greatly improve the efficiency of the train service?

Mr. Clarke

British Railways have carried out a great deal of research on that aspect. I am persuaded that it would be a valuable way to cut costs, especially for some of the smaller rural railways. Experiments are under way and there is, for instance, an installation of radio signalling on the Bedford-St. Pancras electrification scheme. I am sure that British Railways will explore that method to reduce costs and to maintain services.