§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to how much money has been allocated by British Rail for the purchase of the 100 new class 60 locomotives; and how much of this money will be generated entirely by British Rail's own operations.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe British Railway Board has allocated about £130 million for the purchase of 100 new class 60 locomotives. The precise cost will depend on the board's evaluation of the tenders it has received from manufacturers. The cost of the investment will be borne entirely by the board's freight sector which receives no Government grant.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to the level of state subsidy for national railways in France, West Germany and Japan.
§ Mr. David MitchellSo far as France and West Germany are concerned, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing) on 23 October 1987 at column 913. Japanese National Railways was split into regional companies with restructured finances on 1 April this year. This makes it impracticable to make any direct comparisons.