HC Deb 18 November 1997 vol 301 cc144-6
35. Mrs. Dunwoody

How many American-manufactured engines are awaiting the granting of a safety case for use in British railways. [14877]

Ms Glenda Jackson

About 250 freight locomotives are on order from the United States of America. The first are expected to be delivered to English, Scottish and Welsh Railways early next year. They will require both approval by the Health and Safety Executive and acceptance by Railtrack's new rolling stock acceptance board. That cannot be completed until the first locomotives have been delivered and tested.

Mrs. Dunwoody

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that reply, but she will be aware that this is not simply a question of resupplying existing rolling stock. In my constituency, we make the best railway engines in the world, and we certainly repair them even better; under privatisation, that is essential. Will my hon. Friend therefore bear in mind the need, before we start importing other nations' rolling stock wholesale, to consider carefully the ability of British manufacturers and, above all, of British workers, to provide the best railway engines for our railway system?

Ms Jackson

I appreciate the point of my hon. Friend's remarks, but equally she will appreciate the fact that a commercial decision was taken by a private company. Unlike franchisees, EWS does not enjoy special rights granted by Government. None the less, I am sure that my hon. Friend will welcome the opportunity presented by EWS's order for 2,500 wagons, which will be constructed at the old Adtranz works in York, thus providing 300 additional jobs for British workers.

Mr. Baker

Is the Minister aware that, in my constituency, we would welcome some new rolling stock, whether it were made in America, in Britain or anywhere else? Will she discuss the matter with Connex South Central, which is still operating ancient slam-door stock, so as to ensure that we have some modern rolling stock that will encourage more people off the roads and on to the railways?

Ms Jackson

We strongly endorse the last part of the hon. Gentleman's question. I assure him that I have regular meetings not only with the train operating companies but with the rolling stock companies, and that we are as concerned as he is to ensure that the vast amounts of public money that go into our railway system produce a high-quality public service.

Mr. Snape

Will my hon. Friend comment on the fact that, for the first time for about 50 years, we are seeing an increase in rail freight? Is not the reason why EWS orders locomotives from the United States the fact that the British locomotive industry has not made a genuine rail freight locomotive since the days of steam, whether in Crewe or anywhere else?

Ms Jackson

My hon. Friend highlights the fact that, as I believe, the last order for engines in this country was made in 1980. For almost two decades, the Conservative party totally ignored the major contribution that could be made not only to the economy but to the environment by greater movement of freight on our railways. In common with my hon. Friend, I welcome the changes that are being introduced into the freight industry.

Mr. Malins

Does the Minister know why or how leaves on a railway line can apparently render the whole line non-working? Can the Government suggest a remedy? Connex South Central could not get a train into London from Surrey today, because of leaves on the line. Is there an explanation?

Mr. Skinner

New Labour, new leaves.

Ms Jackson

I hear what my hon. Friend says. As I am sure the hon. Member for Woking (Mr. Malins) is aware, the basic reason is the fact that I mentioned in my response to the previous question—the Conservative party's complete failure, in almost two decades in office, to invest adequately in our railway system. Its only answer was to break up an integrated railway system, and £1.8 billion of taxpayers' money is now going into that railway system.

My right hon. Friends the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Transport instituted a review of the existing powers of the regulator under the new railway system. If it is deemed by the Government that the regulator requires additional powers to ensure that the highest possible quality of service is provided to the travelling public, that is what we will introduce.