HC Deb 29 November 1972 vol 847 c141W
60. Mr. Edward Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the advanced passenger train.

Mr. Peyton

The APT is at present undergoing modification to improve its performance. The British Railways Board hopes that the first electric prototype will be tested in 1975 and put into experimental passenger service in 1976.

Mr. Redmond

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the present programme for the final development stages and bringing into operation of the advanced passenger train; whether Great Britain is behind or ahead of a similar project for advanced passenger trains in France; and what plans he has to assist in expediting the British advanced passenger train.

Mr. Peyton

There is already an experimental gas-turbine advance passenger train. British Rail hopes that the first electric prototype will be tested in 1975. This would have advantages over other similar projects elsewhere.