§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the precise alignment and siting of stations along the proposed high-speed rail link.
§ Mr. FreemanAs my right hon. and learned Friend explained in answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Evennett) on 5 December at column188, work on defining the line should begin in the new year. That will include the location of stations. The proposals will be published for consultation when they have been developed in enough detail.
§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what facilities will be constructed to connect the east coast line with passenger and freight traffic from the channel tunnel rail link.
§ Mr. FreemanBoth passenger and freight trains will be able to run initially from the channel tunnel on to the east coast main line via existing lines. British Rail plans to link the proposed new line between the tunnel and London to lines north of London, including the east coast main line, by constructing an international station at King's Cross. The Bill containing the powers for this station and the connecting lines is before Parliament.