HC Deb 18 November 1976 vol 919 cc689-90W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how the £80 million set aside to cover the cost of the Bedford to St. Pancras electrification is to be allocated as between (a) new trains, (b) track modifications, (c) improvement to signalling, and (d) electrification of the route.

Mr. William Rodgers

The Railways Board's estimate of these costs, at May 1975 prices is:

£m.
(a) New trains 21.9
(b)Track 14.8
(c) Signalling 12.5
(d)Electrification 18.6

In addition, there will be expenditure on improvements to the passenger interchange to the Underground at Kings Cross Station—£3 million; depot facilities, £7 million; and miscellaneous expenses, £0.7 million.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when it is proposed to start the work on the Bedford to St. Pancras line leading to the electrification of the route.

Mr. William Rodgers

In October 1977. Advance work on resignalling the line has already begun.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether the London terminal of the Bedford to St. Pancras line is likely to be St. Pancras or Moorgate; and whether it is proposed to phase out St. Pancras for commuter services.

Mr. William Rodgers

After electrification, the main terminus for suburban services on this line will be at Moorgate. The Railways Board plans that, during the peak period, four fast trains from Bedford will terminate at St. Pancras and 12 trains an hour will terminate at Moor-gate. Off peak, suburban services will run through to Moorgate.