HL Deb 25 February 1970 vol 308 c53

2.53 p.m.

The Earl of KINNOULL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the anticipated future earnings for British Railways following their agreement for an American company to develop under licence the advanced passenger train technology.]

LORD WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, it would not be in the commercial interest of either of the parties to the agreement to publish estimates of this kind. I can only say that it is expected that the Railways Board will eventually earn substantial sums in royalties.

THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, while I appreciate the noble Lord's reply, can he say whether the development costs of this project will be borne equally between the British Railways Board and the company? Could he also say whether other countries have expressed an interest in this project?

LORD WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, as regards the noble Earl's first supplementary question, I believe that the cost is split fifty-fifty between British Railways and the Ministry of Transport. I cannot tell the noble Lord whether other countries, apart from the United Stales, are interested in this project.

THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, can the noble Lord also advise the House of the anticipated time when the project will come into service?

LORD WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, the prototype trains should be in service by 1974.