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Mrs. Dunwoody
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with British Rail about funding and safety of the west coast main line.
Mr. Freeman
Re-equipping the west coast main line is an investment priority. I understand that British Rail has set aside funds for design work and plans to begin renewing the infrastructure next year. Decisions on the precise phasing of the renewal programme will need to have regard to public expenditure constraints.
There is no question of passenger safety being jeopardised in any way: BR has a statutory duty to operate safely.