§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on plans for improvement of the North Wales main line. [34317]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 17 March 1998]: Virgin Trains has completed a study into the viability of electrification of the Crewe-Chester route. The findings are currently being reviewed and Virgin will submit a report to the Franchising Director by the end of March. To provide better connections with fast ferries at Holyhead, Virgin's Summer 1998 timetable will include re-timed North Wales services.