§ Mr. BoatengTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next plans to visit the north London line. [40110]
§ Mr. BoatengTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what statutory responsibilities he has in relation to plans to(a) modernise, (b) otherwise develop and (c) extend the use of the north London line by Railtrack. [40109]
§ Mr. BowisThere are currently no plans to develop the north London line, following the recent completion of the electrification works to enable Eurostar services to run 677W north of London. In the event of any future proposal to extend the infrastructure, the Secretary of State would be called upon to consider whether powers should be granted under the Transport and Works Act 1992 to enable the development to proceed.
In addition, under the Railway and Other Transport Systems (Approval of Works, Plant and Equipment) Regulations 1994, the Health and Safety Executive, acting for the Secretary of State, is required to approve any proposal to bring into use any new or altered railway works.
§ Mr. BoatengTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many applications he has received for consents by Railtrack with regard to the north London line. [40108]
§ Mr. BowisNone. Railtrack's electrification work on the north London line, to enable Eurostar services to run north of London, was carried out under contractual arrangements between the company and the works contractors. That work is now complete.
§ Mr. BoatengTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next plans to meet the board of Railtrack or its representatives in relation to the north London line. [40106]