HC Deb 24 October 1988 vol 139 cc1-3
1. Mr. Rost

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much British Rail has invested since 1979.

The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. Paul Channon)

The British Railways Board's investment in railways has been £3.7 billion at today's prices since 1979.

Mr. Rost

As British Rail seems to be unwilling or unable to prepare adequately and speedily for the opening of the Channel link, will my right hon. Friend assure us that he will do all he can to speed up private sector investment to do the job for British Rail to ensure that it is completed in time, which he has already said he is prepared to encourage?

Mr. Channon

As I am sure my hon. Friend is aware, British Rail is planning to choose the preferred route option by early next year. I welcome that speeding up of the original timetable, which will reduce the effects of blight in Kent. I believe that by early next year BR will also know the result of its approaches to potential private sector partners. Therefore, a lot is going on at the present time.

Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

Does the Secretary of State accept that commuters in Greater Manchester are fed up to the back teeth with the poor service that they are receiving from British Rail? The introduction of the sprinter train has been disastrous. When will the Government ensure that some money is spent in Greater Manchester on improving the services for commuters rather than those for mainline passengers travelling from one part of the country to another? In particular, when will we get the link to the airport?

Mr. Channon

I note what the hon. Gentleman has said. I still want to see considerable improvements in quality in British Rail in general, but British Rail is moving in the right direction in a number of sectors, including punctuality, cancellations and service to customers. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will take up the matter of commuter services with British Rail, or, failing that, perhaps he will write to me.

Mr. John Greenway

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House how much British Rail is investing in stations, because it is no good having good railways if the buildings that passengers must use are not adequate? Is he aware that the roof of Filey station has had to be removed and that at present British Rail is not prepared to replace it because of costs? Therefore, that fine Victorian building will be lost to coming generations.

Mr. Channon

I am sorry to learn about Filey station. I hope that my hon. Friend has taken up the matter with British Rail. The total investment of British Rail during the next five years will be some £3.8 billion, with more than £600 million being spent on stations.

Mr. Robert Hughes

If the private capital that the right hon. Gentleman is so keen on is likely to be attracted to British Rail projects because they make money, why, apart from ideological obsession, does he not encourage British Rail to go on with these investments, instead of being so restrictive by his criteria?

Mr. Channon

I do not think that is at all fair. If the hon. Gentleman looks at railway investment in the country at present, which the Opposition continually misrepresent, he will see that ever since 1970 the highest figure for rail investment is that for the present year, and it will be higher in the future.

Mr. Robert Hughes

It is not.

Mr. Channon

It most certainly is. In real terms, it is the highest figure since 1970 and it is increasing.