§ Q3. Mr. Gregoryasked the Prime Minister if she has any plans to make an official visit to York,.
§ The Prime MinisterI have at present no plans to do so.
§ Mr. GregoryWill my right hon. Friend praise the railway work force in York, which has achieved, both on the administrative and the engineering sides, such solid benefits? Furthermore, will she confirm that under the Conservative Government, in real terms, a great deal more investment is going into the railways, amounting to more than £414 million per annum, compared with a derisory £343.5 million per annum under Labour?
§ The Prime MinisterAs my hon. Friend is aware, the Government have fully recognised the importance of the railways and since we took office British Rail has invested a total of £3 billion in modernising the railways. We are now seeing the largest ever programme for new trains. In the past three years the Government have approved nearly £1 billion of investment in major railway projects, such as the east coast main line electrification scheme. It is for those in this country to compete for new orders, and it is for British Rail to decide where the contracts are given.
§ Q4. Mr. Cartwrightasked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 13 January.