HC Deb 30 July 1984 vol 65 c77W
31. Mr. Nicholas Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement regarding the electrification of the east coast line.

Mr. David Mitchell

I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend gave today to the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Mr. Kirkwood).

Mr. Gregory

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on electrification of the east coast main line.

Mr. Ridley

We have now given approval to British Rail's proposal to electrify the east coast main line to Edinburgh via Newcastle, together with the branch to Leeds, at a cost of £306 million (Q4, 1983 prices). The proposal was rigorously appraised and was shown to be justified on its financial merits. This is good news for passengers, for British Rail and for railwaymen.