§ 25. Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent meetings he has had with local authorities to discuss electrification of the midland line; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanI met representatives of the midland main line consortium of local authorities on 4 November. I understand that the consortium has commissioned consultants to examine the case for electrification of the line. Their final report is awaited. It would be for British Rail to bring forward an investment submission if it believed that the project deserves priority within the resources available to it.