§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is prepared to authorise the expansion of British Rail's borrowing approvals to commence the immediate electrification of the Midland main line from Bedford to Sheffield; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanIt is for British Rail to put forward electrification proposals. I have not received from it any proposals in respect of the midland main line. I understand that InterCity's first investment priority is the west coast main line, where the rolling stock and infrastructure is considerably older and the service less reliable than on the midland main line.