Dr. Stephen Lady man (South Thanet)Important as commutity pharmacies are, you will be pleased to know, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that my petition is on a different subject. Today is the end of the Strategic Rail Authority's consultation on the use of channel tunnel rail link domestic services. It has been collected by Thanet Labour party people, who agree with me that a fast train service between Thanet and London is vital. It states:
To the honourable Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled
The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Thanet Sheweth
That the establishment of a fast train service between Thanet and London is essential for the economic regeneration of Thanet
That the Thanet Towns to London via Canterbury route identified by the Strategic Rail Authority in its consultation paper on Channel Tunnel Domestic Services is the cheapest of the proposed options other than the 'core service' option and its additional cost would be easily recouped by savings generated by reducing unemployment in the District
That such a service could begin at Margate calling at Broadstairs and Ramsgate, running at high speed after Ramsgate to Canterbury West, Ashford and London and thereby serve all the people of Thanet without the need to build new stations
That a fast train service between Ramsgate and London could also be established cost effectively using existing rail routes as an alternative to using the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.
Wherefore your petitioners pray that your honourable House shall urge the Secretary of State for Transport to ensure that a fast rail service between Thanet and London is established at the latest from the start of the new Kent franchise in 2007
And your petitioners, as duty bound, will ever pray, etc.
§ To lie upon the Table.