Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Written Ministerial Statement of 20 July 2017, on rail update, HCWS85, if he will publish the evidential basis for the claim that it is no longer necessary to electrify every line to achieve the same significant improvements to journeys.

On 20 July 2017 the Transport Secretary made clear that new technology – in particular the availability of bi-mode technology – meant we no longer need to electrify every part of every line in order to improve journeys for passengers.

Bi-mode trains, such as those operating on the Great Western main line, offer seamless transfer from diesel power to electric, undetectable to passengers. This technology allows us to bring passengers the benefits of more comfortable, fast journeys with more capacity, more quickly using innovative trains without disruptive electrification works taking place.