HC Deb 04 May 1966 vol 727 cc112-3W
57. Mr. Mapp

asked the Minister of Transport if, for her guidance in dealing with future requests for major capital expenditure on the raliways, she will seek to arrange for a detailed study of the commercial and social benefits and costing of the electrified railway operations between London, Liverpool and Manchester; and if she will make the study results available at an early date.

Mrs. Castle

The Railways Board will be assessing the commercial effects of the new electrified service between London, Liverpool and Manchester with a view, particularly, to the evaluation by the Board and by my Department of further electrification projects. My Department's current studies of road and rail transport cost and demand are comprehensive, including social costs and benefits, and will certainly take account of the effect of the new electrified services. It is too soon to say what results will be published, or when.