§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations in connection with further grant-in-aid from his Department he has had with British Rail concerning the long-term viability of the Portsmouth to Brighton line; what capital investment is necessary to reduce its running costs; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeytonThis service costs well over £1 million a year in grant. The board has been asked to secure some improvement; it does not, I understand, believe that the problem would be solved by further capital investment.
§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what consultations he has had with British Rail in connection with further grant-in-aid given by his Department, concerning the improvement of local train services in the Hampshire area, including the modernisation of Portsmouth and South sea station; and whether he will make a statement;
(2) what consultations he has had with British Rail in connection with further grant-in-aid given by his Department concerning the future viability of diesel services in Hampshire; what proposals 317W have been submitted by British Rail for the electrification of remaining non-electrified track in this area; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeytonThese services, like other grant-aided services, are under continual review. No proposals for electrification have been submitted to me. The rebuilding of the station will start this year.