§ 12. Mr. ColemanTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether he has recently discussed the electrification of main line railway services in south Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsElectrification is unlikely to have any significant effect on the quality of services on the south Wales main line. Improved frequency, greater reliability and reduced overcrowding on the high-speed 125 services are the critical factors.
§ Mr. ColemanThat was an appalling answer from the Minister. What estimate has been made of the cost of electrification of the railway line in south Wales? Is he aware that the cost of electrifying the east coast railway was overestimated? Will not the fact that our railway is not electrified serve Wales badly in 1992?
§ Mr. RobertsI can only repeat what the hon. Gentleman already knows-that British Rail has produced a study of the railway network in connection with the Channel tunnel. It considers that the level of demand for through-passenger services for south Wales will be insufficient to justify electrification. As for freight, it makes no difference whether traction is by diesel or electrificity.