§ Mr. TredinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has the report commissioned by midlands local authorities to consider the electrification of the midland main line; what representations he has received from Leicestershire's Conservative county councillors about its recommendations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloI have not seen the report commissioned by a group of local authorities into the midland main line,516W though I receive representations about the line from time to time. Services and journey times along the line have recently been substantially improved, and BR plans to improve them further when rolling stock becomes available from the east coast main line, following my right hon. Friend's announcement on 12 June of additional rolling stock. It is for British Rail to propose electrification schemes where it believes that they would be worthwhile. The midland main line is not presently due for reinvestment.