HC Deb 24 October 1983 vol 47 c3
2. Mr. Maxton

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has for further electrification of railways in Scotland.

The Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. David Mitchell)

The British Railways Board has sent us an outline appraisal of electrification of the line between Edinburgh and Newcastle, and I understand that it is considering various schemes in the Glasgow area in conjunction with Strathclyde passenger transport executive.

Mr. Maxton

Is the Minister aware that the British Railways Board has for some time been looking to electrification of the line from Edinburgh to London? When will he give a decision on that, as it will bring considerable employment to the area and make the railways and industry in the north-east and Scotland more efficient?

Mr. Mitchell

I understand the attraction of the scheme to the hon. Gentleman, but the Government must first see detailed proposals from the board.

Mr. Henderson

Has British Rail made any proposals for electrification of the lines north of Edinburgh?

Mr. Mitchell

We have received no such proposals.

Mr. Kirkwood

Will the Government consider early electrification of the entire route from King's Cross to Edinburgh, as no single act would give more confidence to the rail industry north of the border than an early decision on that?

Mr. Mitchell

The whole question of east coast electrification is bound up with British Rail's strategy for inter-city, of which the Government are currently awaiting details.

Mr. Robert Hughes

Is the Minister aware that his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is the fourth Minister to have been presented with proposals on electrification? Will he ensure that a decision is made, as British Rail has said on innumerable occasions that the most significant investment decision required is for rail electrification of the east coast main line?

Mr. Mitchell

The ball is in British Rail's court. The Government are awaiting the board's further proposals on the strategy for inter-city. When we receive them, we shall be in a position to make progress.