§ Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what further representations he has received, and what meetings he has had, with east midlands local authorities, regarding the midland line electrification; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanI have received a number of representations about electrification of the midland main line and I recently met representatives from Leicestershire county council, Northamptonshire county council and Kettering borough council, to discuss this issue. British Rail has not so far identified a robust commercial case for electrification; but I hope that the local authorities will continue to discuss their plans with BR.