Railways

HC Deb 01 February 1978 vol 943 cc188-9W

21. Mr. Newton

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to meet representatives of railway commuters.

Mr. William Rodgers

Hon. Gentlemen are the very effective representatives of those of their constituents who are railway commuters and, happily, we meet frequently.

29. Mr. Terry Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of railway track have become disused by British Railways in each of the past 10 years; and how many such miles have, since becoming disused, been taken over by railway preservation societies.

Mr. Horam

Track mileage is not available, but the total route mileage that has become disused over the last 10 years is 2,058. Railway preservation societies have so far taken over about 130 miles of former BR route.

Following is the information on route mileage:

1968	748
1969	405
1970	310
1971	161
1972	120
1973	118
1974	61
1975	38
1976	73
1977	24 (January-September)

49. Mr. Gwynfor Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of railways in England have now been electrified.

Mr. William Rodgers

From 6th February, when the greater northern outer suburban line becomes operational, there will be 2,084 electrified route miles on British Rail in England.

56. Mr. Tom McMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will be prepared to examine future electrification schemes submitted by British Railways using the COBA techniques he intends to apply to motorway schemes.

Mr. William Rodgers

I have agreed to review with the Railways Board the general case for further main line electrification. This review will cover, among other questions, the appropriate criteria for main line electrification schemes.

Mr. Tim Renton

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is satisfied with the efficiency of British Railways.

Mr. William Rodgers

I am never wholly satisfied with anything.