§ 53. Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to upgrade mainline rail routes throughout Great Britain to continental gauge standard in order to obtain the maximum benefit from the opening of the channel tunnel and the completion of the single European market; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanIt is for British Rail rather than the Government to plan rail infrastructure and rail services for the United Kingdom. All freight trains in use by British Rail at present are compatible with the continental (Berne) gauge. The cost of converting United Kingdom lines to the continental (Berne) gauge would be considerable. Passenger trains for services through the channel tunnel will be specially designed to suit different platform heights in different countries. For freight it would involve setting back station platforms so that these wider trains could pass through, and the replacement of all passenger rolling stock using the stations affected. British Rail plan to use new wagon technology—such as small wheel bogie wagons —that will enable larger loads, equivalent to those generally carried in mainland Europe, to be carried on the existing United Kingdom loading gauge, and will be more commercially viable than expensive infrastructure modifications.