HC Deb 18 July 1979 vol 970 cc743-4W
22. Mr. Anderson

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects to publish the report on the first stage of the joint British Railways/Department of Transport review of the case for further main line rail electrification.

Mr. Fowler

As I told the hon. Member on 20 June, I expect to receive the interim report this summer and I hope then to agree with the chairman of the British Railways Board to publish it promptly.

57. Mr. Cryer

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the electrification programme of British Railways.

Mr. Fowler

I am currently awaiting the interim report of the Department of Transport British Rail steering group carrying out the review of the case for a programme of main line electrification In the meantime I am prepared to look at any schemes the board puts to me in the normal way.

61. Mr. Hannam

asked the Minister of Transport what plans there are for the further electrification of Great Britain's railways.

Mr. Fowler

No schemes are currently before me for approval, but as my hon. Friend is probably aware I expect to receive this summer the interim report from the review of the case for a programme of main line electrification.

Mr. Cowans

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects to publish the report on the first stage of the joint British Railways/Department of Transport view of the case for further main line rail electrification.

Mr. Fowler

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Swansea, East (Mr. Anderson) on 20 June.