HC Deb 14 November 1983 vol 48 cc600-1
11. Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the major capital schemes to improve rail passenger services in London and the South East which he has approved in the past two years.

Mr. David Mitchell

In the past two years we have approved the electrification of the line to Norwich, initial works on the Victoria rail-air terminal and electrification of the line between Tonbridge and Hastings. There has also been substantial investment that did not require Government approval.

Mr. Dobson

Does the Minister agree that that Level of investment is less than half of what is necessary to finance the commuters' charter, which British Rail published more than two years ago and which, to my knowledge, has not yet been disowned by the new, craven, chairman of British Rail?

Mr. Mitchell

I resent that type of comment. It was made against a public servant who has done a great deal to bring to British Rail a modern concept and a commercial approach to its operations.