§ Mr. Jacques ArnoldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport over what time scale he has been asked to approve investment in the new Networker rolling stock to be introduced by British Rail on the north Kent line.
§ Mr. PortilloLast August my right hon. Friend authorised the purchase of the first 400 class 465664W Networkers at a cost of £257 million (at 1989 prices) and gave approval in principle for a further 276 vehicles. These will replace the existing rolling stock on routes to south-east London and north Kent. I expect to receive proposals for further orders of class 465s to cater for the continuing growth in demand on these routes.