§ 60. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretark of State for the Environment to what extent proposals for the development or curtailment of the railway system in the United Kingdom will be subject to conditions imposed by the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. PeytonAt present not at all; in future so far as EEC legislation requires as part of common transport policies.
§ 61. Mr. Carmichaelasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the growth or decline of jobs in the railway industry in Scotland over the next five years; and how any such workforce changes will be distributed between white collar and manual workers.
§ Mr. PeytonThe Railways Board does not expect any significant change. The breakdown for which the hon. Member asks is not available.
§ 63. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals have been submitted to him by 407W the Railways Board to electrify the east coast main line from London, King's Cross to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen.
§ Mr. PeytonNone.
§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give an assurance that no closure of the Aberystwyth-Shrewsbury line will be sanctioned by him before the report of Professor Graham Rees on Transport Services in Wales.
§ Mr. PeytonNo such closure has been proposed.
§ Mr. Carmichaelasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has had concerning the proposals for the reduction in railway track mileage in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeytonI have not made any such proposals.
§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals have been submitted to him by the Railways Board to electrify the main line from Bristol to York via Birmingham, Derby and Sheffield, and to rebuild it on the sections where required to make it suitable throughout for high-speed running.
§ Mr. PeytonNone.