§ Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the level of investment in new locomotives he has authorised for British Rail.
§ Mr. FreemanThe level and timing of British Rail's investment in new locomotives are determined by operational requirements and available resources. New locomotives are not always required to replace those withdrawn: the regional railways sector has replaced virtually all its loco-hauled services with the faster and more efficient class 158 diesel multiple units.
Locomotive builds authorised and yet to be fully completed are 34 high-speed train sets and 37 class 92 locomotives for channel tunnel services; and 100 class 60 locomotives for domestic freight services, at a total cost of over £700 million at current prices.