§ 86. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Transport what applications she has received from the British Railways Board for approval of capital expenditure on expansion of their foundry at Crewe for the manufacture of manganese steel castings, bearing in mind that there is already excess steel foundry capacity in the country at the present time; for what amount; and whether she has reached a decision.
§ Mr. John MorrisNone.
§ 87. Mr. Ogdenasked the Minister of Transport what sanctions for capital expenditure by the Railways Board she gave in respect of main-line trunk rail services between the North-West of England and London for 1964–65 and for the present year, respectively; and what applications for sanction of expenditure she has received for 1967–68.
§ Mr. John MorrisCapital investment on these services has been mainly on the London Midland electrification. Sanctions for particular projects are not given on an annual basis but expenditure on this scheme was £22 million in 1964, £24 million in 1965 and is estimated at £16 million in 1966 and £6 million in 1967 when it will be substantially completed.
We have received no application concerning such services in 1967–68 but I understand that the Railways Board are preparing an investment proposal for electrification from Weaver Junction to Scotland.