§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the average age of British Rail passenger rolling stock for which consent for replacement was given over the last five years; what was the oldest and youngest stock so replaced; and what are the corresponding data for stock for the London and south-eastern sector.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe normal "design life" of passenger rolling stock ranges between 20 and 40 years, (the latter figure often involving a mid-life refurbishment.) Replacements in recent years have been influenced by the board's policy commitment to withdrawing vehicles containing asbestos by the end of 1987. Vehicles ranging in age from eight to 33 years are currently being replaced. Both these extremes relate to network south-east stock. I do not have the information needed to calculate a meaningful average.