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Mr. Allen
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with British Rail about the midland mainline electrification.
Mr. Portillo
The midland main line already has a good service which is being improved. It is for British Rail to consider whether the very large cost of electrifying the line would be justified by operating improvements and revenue gains, and to put forward a case if it believes it to be worthwhile. The completion of the single European market in 1992 is unlikely to have a significant effect on this essentially business decision.