Mr. Geoffrey Wilsonasked the Minister of Transport what progress British Railways are making with the development of the advanced high speed passenger train; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MurrayThe development programme for the advanced passenger train which is being carried out by the British Railways Board at its research centre at Derby is proceeding satisfactorily. The board has placed various contracts including those for the building of body shells and of gas turbines for the experimental trains. It is expected that an experimental train will be running on the 307W track in the latter half of 1971 and that two prototype trains will be in service in 1974.