HC Deb 09 April 1984 vol 58 c12
13. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has yet received British Rail's intercity strategy report.

Mr. David Mitchell

No, Sir.

Mr. Kirkwood

Does the Minister accept the need for an urgent review of the decision on the electrification of the east coast route, which will flow from the inter-city strategy report by British Rail? Will he assure the House that as soon as he receives the strategy report he will eschew the predilection for written answers and will come to the House and give us not only the Government's initial reactions to the report, but a timetable according to which decisions will be taken?

Mr. Mitchell

I shall have to consider that in the light of the contents of the strategy report. I should point out that there has not yet been a Question Time during which the matter has not been raised.

Dr. Mawhinney

Over the past few months I have regularly asked my hon. Friend to convey to the chairman of British Rail the desire of the House that the report should be brought forward as quickly as possible. Has my hon. Friend yet had a chance to convey that message to the chairman?

Mr. Mitchell

Yes, Sir.