HL Deb 27 June 1984 vol 453 cc1023-4WA
The Earl of Cromartie

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will provide funds to enable British rail either to replace the diesel engines which take over from the electric engines on the Euston-Inverness railway line, or to complete the electrification of the lines, in order to avoid the inconvenience caused by the breakdowns of the existing diesel engines facing the long pull over the Grampians.

Lord Lucas of Chilworth

It is for the British Railways Board to determine priorities for new investment, and the Government will always support worthwhile projects which the board puts forward. I understand that BR have no plan at present either to replace the existing diesel locomotives on services between Glasgow and Inverness or to electrify the line. These locomotives are subject to a regular programme of maintenance and refurbishment. When setting objectives for the chairman of the board last October we made it clear that we want services to be reliable, attractive and punctual. I am confident that we can rely on the chairman and his team to ensure the good quality of service that the railway's customers expect.