HC Deb 13 July 1995 vol 263 c709W
Mr. Carrington

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he has given to the use of the North Downs line as a route for international freight trains avoiding London. [34435]

Mr. Watts

In August 1994, Railtrack reported to me that the North Downs line was not a commercially viable alternative route. I asked officials to report to me whether there was likely to be any environmental benefits which could justify the development of the North Downs line at public expense. They have concluded that there are not. I have today placed a copy of their report in the Library of the House.