§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations have been made to him about the successors to 125 diesel locomotives for operating the InterCity service of the Great Western network; and if he will make a statement on the implications of the Railways Act 1993 for this particular service.
§ Mr. FreemanI have received a number of representations about replacing the fleet of 125 diesel locomotives currently in use on the Great Western main line with electric traction. There are no plans to electrify the line at present, but this does not rule it out as an option when the existing diesel fleet reaches the end of its economic life.
Under the franchising proposals in the Railways Act, services on the Great Western main line will be among the first to be transferred to private sector operators. To this end, British Rail will begin shadow running from next April.
§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many speed restrictions apply to the Great Western railway network west of Reading; what stretches of line they apply to; whether they are caused by deficiencies in track maintenance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThis information is not held by the Department. These are operational matters for British Rail.