§ Mr. DunnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his policy with regard to the supply of the new Networker rolling stock for use on commuter lines serving north-west Kent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanI fully support Network SouthEast's programme of investment in the Kent Link lines. A total of 400 Networker trains were approved in August 1989 at a cost of over £290 million with approval for a further 276 in principle. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has endorsed the 12-car Networker strategy for Kent Link routes. Infrastructure improvements at a cost of over £120 million are going ahead and more rolling stock is likely to be ordered. I understand that the first class 465 Networker is due for delivery to Kent Link in September 1991.