HC Deb 20 April 1983 vol 41 cc277-8
9. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether British Rail has yet approached him about funding a rail link to Manchester international airport.

Mr. Eyre

No, Sir.

Mr. Bennett

Does the Minister appreciate that there is growing frustration in Greater Manchester because the Government seem unwilling to seize the initiative to get that small railway link built? Is he aware that it would make a great deal of difference to the infrastructure of the Greater Manchester area, yet the Government seem happy to spend vast sums on a public inquiry at Stansted and more extensions at both Heathrow and Gatwick? Is it not time that the north-west had a fair share of resources and a little action from the Government to get the rail link built?

Mr. Eyre

I understand the hon. Gentleman's enthusiasm in support of Manchester airport. He will be aware that the Government supported the Second Reading of the private Bill that was recently introduced by British Rail and that that safeguards the land necessary for a rail link to Manchester airport. As for the railway development that the hon. Gentleman mentioned, it is for British Rail to advance plans, which we shall consider.

Mr. McNally

Surely the Minister appreciates that this is not simply a British Rail decision. Does he agree that a runway-railway link makes sense for all airports? Does he further agree that, with regard to Manchester, it makes sense in tying up the expansion and investment plans that are under way, and that it will allow the country to make a proper judgment about whether Manchester airport should be expanded as opposed to further investment being made in the south-east of England? Does he agree that the Government should take that overview and not leave the decision to British Rail?

Mr. Eyre

As I have already said, I understand the hon. Gentleman's support for development in Manchester, but I must emphasise that the airport link is connected with the railway "Windsor link" and the electrification of the Preston-Manchester line. All of these developments are issues that British Rail must consider and prepare plans on. It must use its expertise to bring forward proposals.

Mr. Robert Atkins: Does my hon. Friend recognise that if this link, which is important to the gateway airport which Manchester represents, is to go ahead, there is a great need for a sleeper service to it in both directions? Does he agree that British Rail's proposals to do away with a sleeper service in the north-west would be detrimental to Manchester airport and other parts of the north-west?

Mr. Eyre

I understand the importance that my hon. Friend attaches to that subject, but he is badly out of date on the difficulty with sleeping cars. Those difficulties have now been dealt with satisfactorily.

Mr. Eastham

If the link is agreed to, will it not be one of the most cost-effective successes that British Rail has introduced? Why does the Minister continue merely to sit back and wait for British Rail to apply? Why does not he, as the Minister, take the initiative?

Mr. Eyre

I understand the hon. Gentleman's enthusiasm, but he misunderstands British Rail's role. It must be for British Rail to develop and advance plans for a railway development of that type.