§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much rolling stock was in use on the railways in 1979; how much is currently in use; and what is the average age of rolling stock currently in use in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. FreemanThe information for British Rail is given in the table. However, it is not possible to give a meaningful indication of the average age of all vehicles. Such a figure would vary widely according to the type of rolling stock.
1979 1991–92 Locomotives Diesel 3,261 1,634 Electric 310 262 Sub-total locomotives 3,571 1,896 High speed trains Power units 136 197 Coaches 533 728 Advanced passenger trains Power units 5 — Coaches 15 — Diesel Multiple Units 3,284 2,074 Electric Multiple Units 7,458 6,909
Bakerloo 1972 stock. Currently being refurbished. 1962 stock. Currently being replaced with brand new stock as part of modernisation programme—first new train in passenger service expected spring 1993. Central Circle and Hammersmith and City 1969 and 1977 stock. Currently being refurbished. District 1969 and 1977 stock. East London 1962 stock. Jubilee 1983 stock. Metropolitan 1962 stock. Northern 1959 and 1972 stock. Currently being refurbished. Piccadilly 1973 stock. Victoria 1967 stock. Currently being refurbished.