§ Mr. AdleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will indicate the change in statistical information which has resulted in his recent decision to approve electrification of the Portsmouth to Southampton and Portsmouth to Eastleigh railway lines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellI approved the board's formal proposal for electrification of these lines on 20 April on the grounds that the project would help BR reduce its operating costs and improve the service to passengers.