Answers issued to Members on 19 November 2007

[R] signifies that the Member has declared an interest.
[W] signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.

Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport

Alun Cairns (South Wales West): What are the benefits of electrified railways over non-electrified railways? (WAQ50669)

The Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport (Ieuan Wyn Jones): The true environmental benefit of electric trains has to be viewed in the context of how the electricity power to the supply point is generated in the first place and technological developments in motorised units that could reduce carbon emissions.

In addition to the environmental issues and the individual passenger journey experience, consideration needs to be given to the balance of financial costs and environmental and operational benefits of electrification.