§ Mr. CabornTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what representations he has received about the timing of the investment for British Rail's 465 Networkers; and if he will make a statement;
(2) when he received the investment submission from British Rail for the 465 Networkers; when the Government made their response to British Rail; and when he expects British Rail to place the order.
§ Mr. FreemanI have received a number of representations about BR's class 465 Networkers.
The then Secretary of State received on 10 August 1989 a submission seeking approval in principle for investment in 676 class 465 vehicles. On 31 August 1989 approval in principle was given. Firm authority was given for 400 of these vehicles. The first of these vehicles will be introduced into service with the May timetable.
On 23 January 1991 my right hon. and learned Friend received a submission seeking approval for investment in 86 class 466 vehicles—the 466 is a two-car version of the 465—and in 188 further 465s. My right hon. and learned Friend gave approval for the former on 9 May and BR has ordered these vehicles. My right hon. and learned Friend gave approval for the 188 vehicles on 19 June, but BR is not yet in a position to say when the order for these vehicles will be placed.
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§ Mr. SnapeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has held with the chairman of British Rail about the placing of the order for the 465 Networkers; and what was the outcome.
§ Mr. FreemanI meet the chairman of British Rail regularly to discuss current issues. BR is not yet in a position to say when the order for a further 188 Networker vehicles will be placed. Already some 486 Networker orders have been placed and are under construction at a total cost of £364 million.