§ Dr. Michael Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the chairman of British Rail on the condition of passenger rolling stock, so far as the provision of new carriages and refurbishment of old ones is concerned; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellIt is the BR Board's responsibility to decide on the requirements for new rolling stock or the refurbishment of vehicles. Where necessary I discuss investment proposals with the board. For example I had talks recently with BR's joint managing director about the rolling stock implications of the London interconnection proposal. More generally, we have since October 1983 approved investment in new passenger vehicles worth £215 million, and BR has itself approved further expenditure on refurbishment. For the future, BR plans to spend £527 million over the next five years on modernising its passenger traction and rolling stock fleet.