HC Deb 23 October 1986 vol 102 c967W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what subjects were discussed when he last met the chairman of British Rail.

Mr. David Mitchell

My right hon. Friend discussed a wide range of matters of current interest with the chairman.

Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on progress on the proposals to improve the passenger rail service on the East coast route.

Mr. David Mitchell

My right hon. Friend inspected the East cost main line electrification work on 15 October. Work is slightly ahead of programme and well within budget. The first electric services are due to operate between Hitchin and Huntingdon on 3 November — a full six months ahead of programme. Contracts have been let for some two thirds of the investment, including the new high speed Electra locomotives. Full electric services between London and Leeds are due to start in October 1989 (although trial runs could start as soon as summer 1988) and to Edinburgh in May 1991.