§ 99. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of Transport what arrangements he is making for negotiations with British Railways and Rolls-Royce on matters relating to the development of turbine trains to run at maximum speeds of 150 miles per hour; to what extent his Department is financially involved in this research and development; and whether he will now make a statement.
§ Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Transport what support he has already given for the design and development of an advanced passenger train; and what proposals he has made for its construction and operation in conjunction with British Railways.
§ Mr. MarshThe Railways Board have accepted the proposal for financing this project referred to in my Answer of 11th November. Development of the prototype trains and associated signalling equipment will cost about £10 million over the next few years. My Ministry will meet half this cost. Both I and the Board believe it to be in the national interest that development should now be pushed ahead as quickly as possible.—[Vol. 773, c. 21–22.]