§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has received for the introduction of further high-speed trains.
§ Mr. William RodgersI have received and approved a proposal for a major investment scheme to introduce highspeed trains on services linking Edinburgh and North-East England with the South-West and South Wales. This involves construction of 18 high-speed trains, together with spares and necessary improvements to track and signalling, at a total cost of over £45 million. The new trains will be progressively introduced into service from 1981 and will cut journey times by up to one-quarter.