§ 22. Miss Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Transport what are the problems affecting the starting date of the advanced passenger train; and what will be the effect of this on future investment programmes for commuter services.
§ Mr. FowlerThe advanced passenger train project has suffered from a variety of delays since the construction of the prototypes was approved in 1974, the most recent being the need to make modifications to the tilt mechanism and the braking system. The choice of investment priorities is a matter for the board but I see no reason why the delays with the APT should affect future investment programmes for commuter services.
§ 35. Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the total financial spending involved in the current advanced passenger train development programme.
§ Mr. FowlerI understand from the Railways Board that the expenditure to date on the advanced passenger train project amounts to about £42 million.