HC Deb 08 December 1969 vol 793 cc26-7W
Mr. Michael Heseltine

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the number of track miles in use by British Railways at the end of each of the years 1960 to 1968, inclusive, and the estimated number of track miles that will be in use at the end of 1969 and 1970.

Mr. Murray

Estimates of the total track miles that will be in use at the end of 1969 and 1970 are not available. The figures will be published, as usual, in the Railways Board's Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for those years. The information for 1960–68 (which includes both running lines and sidings) is as follows:

1960 49,181
1961 48,889
1962 47,417
1963 46,434
1964 44,080
1965 41,355
1966 38,464
1967 36,498
1968 33,976

Mr. Bradley

asked the Minister of Transport what proposals about manufacture and repair he has received from British Railways; and whether he has approved them.

Mr. Mulley

The British Railways Board has submitted to me, in accordance with Section 48(4) of the Transport Act 1968, proposals as to the manner in which it is to carry on activities of manufacture and repair for outside persons under Section 48(2) of that Act and manufacture for purposes of the business of the board and of other nationalised transport authorities under Section 13 of the Transport Act 1962.

I have approved the proposals without modifications or conditions. As the proposals are lengthy and could not be conveniently set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT, I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Vote Office. Members of the public can obtain copies on written request to my Department.