§ 20. Mr. FlanneryTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has recently discussed with the British Railways Board the further electrification of the St. Pancras to Sheffield line.
§ Mr. PortilloNo but it would be for British Rail to propose such a scheme if it thought it justified.
§ 23. Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he plans to electrify the east coast railway line north of Edinburgh.
§ Mr. PortilloIt is for the British Railways Board, not the Government, to plan investment in the railways. I understand that it does not propose electrifying the line north of Edinburgh.
§ 38. Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of British Rail lines are electrified; and what are the equivalent figures for other European Economic Community countries.
§ Mr. PortilloAt present, 26 per cent. of British Rail's total route miles are electrified. This will increase to around 30 per cent. by the end of the decade.
Per cent. Belgium 56 Denmark 6 France 33 Germany 42 Greece nil Ireland 1 Italy 55 Luxembourg 60 Netherlands 65 Portugal 13 Spain 49