§ 31. Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now make a statement about the advanced passenger train, high speed diesel, and other fast forms of inter-city transport, and the revised programme for development and operation, indicating the likely collaboration with other countries, and in particular the EEC.
§ Dr. GilbertBritish Rail has been authorised to construct 27 high speed diesel train sets for operation on the London to Bristol and South Wales routes. Some of these will provide a part high speed service from October this year, with a full high speed service following in May 1977.
169WThe board has also been authorised to construct 32 high speed diesel sets for operation of the East Coast main line services, with delivery in 1977. Prototypes of the advanced passenger train are planned to come into trial commercial service in 1978 on the West Coast main line between London and Glasgow.
Market potential for other fast forms of inter-city transport, which involve advanced technologies, has receded, but research is continuing. We are collaborating in studies with other countries, including EEC members.