§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Transport what contacts his Department has had with the Manchester international airport authority, British Rail 129W and other appropriate agencies concerning a rail link to the airport; what progress has been made; if he will outline what is proposed, giving the likely cost and time scale of providing a 1½ mile double track link; and when he expects to be able to make a statement.
§ Mr. RidleyOfficials from my Department held preliminary discussions about this rail link with local interests in September. It is now for British Rail and the local authorities to come forward with a viable scheme. I look forward to receiving their proposals.