§ 6. Mr. Flanneryasked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the total investment in British Railways for 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1980, respectively; and what is the projected investment for 1981.
§ Mr. FowlerThe figures for 1977 to 1980 are £215 million, £245 million, £301 million and £337 million 912 respectively. All figures are at outturn prices and exclude expenditure on continuous welded rail which was removed from the Railways Board's investment ceiling in February 1980. The current public expenditure White Paper shows the board's forecast for investment in 1981–82 as £382 million.
§ Mr. FlanneryDoes the Minister realise that the railway unions and railway workers generally—I have riot had a chance to see the plan that has apparently emerged today—are watching the situation with great care? They are aware of the possibility of line closures and of a definite deterioration in the right of way. Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that action should be taken to ensure the safety of the public and also to ensure that the work force of British Rail is retained, without the fear that many of them will lose their jobs almost overnight?
§ Mr. FowlerThe hon. Gentleman has asked a number of questions. His basic inquiry is about future employment in the industry. I am sure that he agrees that the highest productivity possible is essential if the railway industry is to have a future. That is crucial to the report that has been produced by British Rail today.
§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonIn relation to the projected expenditure, will my right hon. Friend indicate what consideration has been given to British Rail's investment in part of the infrastructure of the Channel link, particularly at terminals in London and outside Folkestone? Does he agree that the best way for this excellent project to proceed, to the benefit of employment in the construction industry, would be through some form of co-operation between British Rail and the European Channel Tunnel Group, which has put forward an excellent proposal for the Channel link?
§ Mr. FowlerI do not wish to discuss individual projects. These are before the Government at the moment What is basic is that there must be the closest co-operation between British Rail, SNCF and the private sector in terms of building the tunnel.
§ Mr. Walter JohnsonIs the Secretary of State aware that vital maintenance and repair work is being held up on British Rail by the lack of finance? A safety factor, therefore, comes into the consideration. It is time that the Government made up their mind about what sort of financial aid is to be available. The situation is urgent. Will the Minister make a statement?
§ Mr. FowlerI do not think that I can add to what I have said about the urgent consideration that is taking place on the finances of the railway industry generally. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman, with his knowledge of the industry, will confirm that the safety record of British Rail is extremely good. Last year, I believe, was the best on record.
§ Mr. Bill WalkerMy right hon. Friend will be aware that much of the rolling stock in use in Scotland is reaching the end of its practical life. Although the railway unions and British Rail in Scotland admit that there is no risk in the use of that stock and that passengers are not at risk, I wonder whether my right hon. Friend has proposals for replacing that rolling stock.
§ Mr. FowlerI am grateful to my hon. Friend. The rolling stock requirements of British Rail in Scotland and 913 elsewhere are part of the whole discussion on the future of the railway industry. I shall bear in mind what my hon. Friend has said.