§ Mr. Altonasked the Minister of Transport when he expects to receive detailed electrification proposals from British Railways; and whether he will view maximum electrification proposals with favour if a good economic case is made.
§ Mr. FowlerThe case for a programme of main line electrificaton is currently the subject of a joint study by the Railways Board and my Department. An interim report was published in September and the final report should be published during the summer. Sir Peter Parker and I will consider this very carefully, taking into account the outlook for the economy as a whole and the prospects of the main railway business, especially its major commercial sectors. Meanwhile, I am willing to consider any individual electrification proposals which the Railways Board may wish to submit to me.