HC Deb 03 February 1986 vol 91 cc41-2W
24. Mr. Straw

asked the Secretary of State for Transport on what criteria he has based his decision to refuse approval for the electrification of the railway line from Manchester to Preston and Blackpool; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

As I explained in my letter of 16 January to the chief executive of Lancashire county council, a copy of which I sent the hon. Gentlemen on 17 January, I concluded after studying all the facts that electrification did not in this instance provide the most cost-effective means of obtaining a fast modernised rail service.