§ Mr. Pikeaskedthe Secretary of State for Transport if, when he last met the chairman of British Rail, he raised with him the electrification of the Manchester-Blackpool line; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellNo. British Rail sees no financial case under its normal investment criteria for electrifying this route. But Lancashire county council and the Greater Manchester council believe they can justify the additional costs by taking other benefits into account. Exploratory discussions have been held and the councils will be supplying further information about their proposals.