§ 17. Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for Transport what investment proposals he has received for electrification of the east coast main line; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EyreLast year we received proposals from the British Railways Board for electrification from Hitchin to Leeds and Newcastle. We are considering these proposals 283 further in the light of the board's revised inter-city prospectus, which has recently been submitted, and which is to be followed by longer-term proposals for the inter-city business which, I understand, are coming within a few months.
§ Mr. SpriggsIs the Minister aware that the east coast main line warrants further investigation? It makes good sense to develop the electrification programme on this line, because of the healthy return. Will the Minister give the House details of the number of electrification programmes that the board has suggested to his Department?
§ Mr. EyreI could not answer the second part of the hon. Gentleman's question immediately, but discussions on electrification involve questions such as timing of the replenishment of rolling stock. That is why we need to study the prospectus that we have received before we can reach a decision on the east coast main line scheme.
§ Later—
§ Mr. SpriggsOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. This afternoon the Minister was unable to answer part of my question, when the information is readily available in the Department. May I ask through you, Mr. Speaker, that the Minister provides those figures in the Official Report?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman's request will have been heard and, no doubt, will be met.