§ 21. Mr. Les Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for Transport when he next expects to discuss major investment projects, for which his approval is necessary, with the chairman of the British Railways Board.
§ Mr. David HowellI refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave earlier today to my hon. Friends the Members for Folkestone and Hythe (Sir. A. Costain) and Northampton, North (Mr. Marlow) and the hon. Members for Liverpool, Scotland Exchange (Mr. Parry) and Swansea, East (Mr. Anderson).
§ Mr. HuckfieldDoes the right hon. Gentleman accept that, irrespective of any current dispute, he will have to take certain basic investment decisions next year on proposals already submitted to him by the chairman of the British Railways Board? Will he confirm that those decisions are his responsibility and that he is therefore responsible for the future size of the railway network?
§ Mr. HowellI certainly confirm that important investment decisions have to be made both now and in the future, decisions that are essential for a modern and efficient railway. As the Government have always made clear, however—this is widely supported both outside and within the industry—progress on investment must go hand in hand with progress on working practices to operate it. It is no use having new trains standing by if the work practices to operate them are not brought forward. I think that the hon. Gentle man will accept that the two must go together.