§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he now expects orders to be placed for the construction of new trains to serve travellers on the Kent coast line; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Chancellor's autumn statement enables BR to order on lease an additional£150 million of new rolling stock over the next three years. Only the lease payments—as opposed to the full cost of the rolling stock—will count against BR's external financing limit. BR is currently considering which rolling stock orders would be suitable for leasing. It is for it to decide priorities. However, the options include new rolling stock for Kent coast.
While the Government's preference is that the orders should be placed over the next three years, they are prepared to consider flexibility on this timing.
As part of their plans for the privatisation of British Rail, the Government wish to see the private sector 338W becoming involved in the procurement of rolling stock as quickly as possible. A consultation document on this will be issued in the new year.