§ 6. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Transport what further major investment he is contemplating in the United Kingdom railway system.
§ Mr. Eyre:It is for the Railways Board to decide priorities for investment and submit its plans to my right hon. Friend. We have recently approved the first phase of a major programme for new diesel multiple units. The board is planning to spend about £75 million this year on signalliing and track improvements as part of a continuing programme. We are also considering its proposed 10–year programme for electrifying potentially profitable main line routes, as well as its proposal to electrify the East Coast main line.
§ 17. Sir Patrick Wallasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the development of the railway system.
§ Mr. Eyre:The Government wish to see a modern, efficient railway system, and contributes £2.3 million each day for the support of passenger services. New investment depends on the Railway Board's ability to generate the funds needed: the key to that is an improvement in productivity.
§ 23. Mr. McNallyasked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with British Rail
453Wregarding investment in the rail system particularly in respect of interchanges with other forms of transport, electrification and long-distance routes.
§ Mr. Eyre:Priorities for investment are for the British Railways Board to decide. We will consider carefully any proposal it puts before us.
§ 25. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his latest discussions with the chairman of the British Railways Board on future investment in the railways.
§ Mr. David Howell:I have regular meetings with the chairman of the Board, and our discussions include the consideration of future investment and financing requirements of the railways.
§ 33. Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for Transport when next he intends to meet the chairman of the British Railways Board to discuss investment.
§ Mr. David Howell:I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Leominster (Mr. Temple-Morris) and the hon. Member for Nuneaton (Mr. Huckfield) earlier today.