§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what response he has given to the report of the independent auditors in relation to the west coast main line.
§ Mr. FreemanI expect to receive Hambros' report shortly on the scope for using private finance to renew the infrastructure of the west coast main line.
§ Mr. GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met the director of the west coast main line to discuss investment and infrastructure requirements; and what was the outcome of these talks.
§ Mr. FreemanI last met the director at the end of October. The study by consultants on the scope for using private finance to renew the infrastructure of the west coast main line was among the subjects discussed. Any decision on the way forward will be made in the light of Hambros' report, which I expect to receive shortly.