§ Mr. WattsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether, when he next meets the chairman of British Rail, he will discuss the scope for further development of the Slough-Windsor line; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanBritish Rail currently runs a well-used shuttle service between Slough and Windsor for both commuters and tourists. The introduction of new turbo rolling stock next year will being an even better quality of service.
I understand that BR is also investigating the potential for further developing tourist services in co-operation with the private sector. In the short term, and with some infrastructure development, there may be opportunities for occasional visiting steam trains to run into Windsor. Looking further ahead, it might be possible to develop a park-and-ride service which would help to relieve traffic congestion in Windsor. This would require a major new road scheme as well as more extensive rail infrastructure, including laying a second track, to cater for a greater frequency of service. The additional services could be provided by BR or as a joint venture with a private sector operator. In both cases it would be for the private sector to finance the necessary infrastructure work.