§ 19. Mr. Sackvilleasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on rail electrification schemes currently under consideration.
§ Mr. David MitchellWe are considering a proposal by British Rail to electrify the line from Bournemouth to Weymouth. In addition, Lancashire county council and Greater Manchester council have asked for a grant under section 56 of the Transport Act 1968 to enable them to finance the electrification of the line between Manchester and Blackpool. We shall reach decisions on both proposals as soon as possible.