HC Deb 11 November 1975 vol 899 c680W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has now received the submission from British Rail for the provision of the extra 10 high speed trains to travel in the Eastern Region including North Humberside; and what reply he has sent.

Dr. Gilbert

I have not received a submission.

Mr. Buchanan

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many miles of railway have been closed since 1964; and what has been the amount of the deficit on railway working in every year since 1964.

Dr. Gilbert

4,679 route miles. Railway working deficits were as follows:

1965 £79.5 million
1966 £78.3 million
1967 £97.4 million
1968 £90.6 million
The Transport Act 1968 then led to a change of accounting practice under which the board credited Government grants to gross income and made a lower provision for depreciation of assets, so that comparable figures are not readily available. I will write to my hon. Friend.