§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his latest discussions with British Railways concerning the funding costs for the advanced passenger train.
§ Mr. William RodgersI have had no recent discussions because the costs of the three prototype advanced passenger trains are being met by British Rail in the same way as its other capital investment projects.
§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Transport what funds have been committed by Her Majesty's Government specifically to British Railways for research and development of the advanced passenger train; and what is the latest expected date of entry into commercial service by British Railways of the advanced passenger train.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe Government are meeting half the cost of British Rail's £10 million research and development work for the advanced passenger train and the first of the three prototypes now being constructed and tested is expected to enter commercial service later this year.