HC Deb 19 October 1990 vol 177 cc928-9W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what meetings he or his officials have had with officials of the West Yorkshire passenger transport authority in the current year to date, to discuss rail electrification between Bradford and Leeds and local services.

Mr. McLoughlin

The hon. Member was present when the then Minister of State met the West Yorkshire passenger transport authority on 26 April to discuss the scheme and other matters. In addition, officials have had two meetings and several exchanges of correspondence on this scheme with the West Yorkshire passenger transport executive.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he expects to announce his decision on loan approval being given to the West Yorkshire passenger transport authority to enable electrification of rail services;

(2) whether British Rail has supplied him with information as to what extra costs are incurred each year that the electrification of the Bradford-Leeds railway is deferred; what is his latest estimate of the total cost of such electrification; and when he expects to announce his decision on loan approval for the scheme.

Mr. McLoughlin

Decisions on credit approvals for local public transport schemes in 1991–92 will be announced after the autumn statement. The most recent cost estimate for this project is about £60 million; we have no information on cost increases if it is deferred. Whether it can go ahead in 1991–92 depends on the availability of physical resources for the necessary signalling work as well as on funding.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received since the beginning of 1990 concerning the electrification of the Bradford—Leeds railway and local rail services; and if he will list the names of individuals and organisations who have urged electrification take place.

Mr. McLoughlin

We have this year received almost 300 representations in support of this scheme, some individuals and organisations having written more than once. Representations have also been sent to other Government Departments, and we do not have a complete list available.