33. Mr. Robert HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has discussed with British Rail the electrification of the east coast line between Aberdeen and Edinburgh; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland met the chairman of British Rail, Sir Robert Reid on 15 November 1988 and discussed a wide range of issues. Responsibility for investment is a matter for the British Railways Board, not the Government. However, I understand that the board's view is that the level of traffic would not justify electrifying the line north of Edinburgh.