§ 28. Mr. Boothasked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to receive British Rail's proposals on electrification.
§ Mr. David HowellLast year I received from the Railways Board its 10-year programme for electrification of main line routes; a submission seeking approval in principle for the electrification of the east coast main line from Hitchin to Leeds and Newcastle, the first two schemes in the programme; and a submission seeking detailed approval for electrification from Hitchin to Huntingdon, the first stage of the first scheme. At the end of November I said that if the board could produce a satisfactory prospectus for its inter-city business the way would be open for a decision on the electrification of the east coast main line. I have now received the board's prospectus for the period to 1988, which I am considering. However, it has said that the policies in it are being reviewed and developed and it is working on longer-term proposals for the inter-city business, which will I understand be ready in a few months time.