London, Tilbury and Southend Line

HC Deb 21 May 1992 vol 208 cc200-1W

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the resignalling projects on the London Tilbury and Southend line will be completed and operational.

Mr. Freeman

I understand that the new signalling is expected to be operational in 1995.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with British Rail about the reliability of trains on the Fenchurch Street, Tilbury and Southend loop line; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

British Rail has told me that the current £50 million resignalling programme is the key to improving reliability on this line.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what safeguards exist to ensure that British Rail remains able to improve rolling stock, signalling and upgrading of station facilities on the Fenchurch Street, Tilbury, Southend line pending the British Coal and British Rail (Transfer Proposals) Bill receiving Royal Assent.

Mr. Freeman

It is for British Rail to set priorities for expenditure within the funds available to it. For our part, we are doing all that we can to help it maintain its investment programme. In June 1991 an extra £400 million was provided to help British Rail maintain services and continue its investment programmes despite falling revenue. The Autumn Statement announced the addition of £1 billion to British Rail's plans for 1992.

I am pleased that British Rail has been able to begin the resignalling project on the London, Tilbury and Southend line.