§ 33. Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the fuel shortage and the increasing price of petrol, he will direct British Railways to re-examine, as a 98W matter of urgency, the reintroducing of commuter passenger services on all those railway lines which he has allowed them to close for passenger services but to retain for freight services.
§ Mr. PeytonNo. The Government and the nationalised transport industries are already studying the implications of the oil situation.
§ Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what steps he is taking to speed up the electrification programme in respect of British Rail in the light of the oil and fuel crisis ;
(2) what steps he is taking to ensure the maximum use of the railway system for the purpose of carrying freight and passengers in the light of the fuel crisis and the need to conserve oil.
§ Mr. PeytonI am looking closely at all the implications for the railways of the energy situation.