HC Deb 13 May 1994 vol 243 cc277-8W
Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 6 May,Official Report, column 652, regarding the modernisation of the west coast main line, what was his original estimate of the time necessary for modernisation; what is his current estimate; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

When my right hon. Friend announced the project last December the best estimate available, from the work done by our banking advisers, was seven to 10 years. That remains our most recent advice. The current project definition study will produce firmer estimates of the options for carrying out the improvements, consistent with the need to keep train services running.

Expenditure to 31 March 1994 £000s, excl.
Transport Research Laboratory:
KPMG Peat Marwick—study of options for privatisation and their feasibility 78
Highways Agency:
Touche Ross—advice on approaches to property management —