§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been the level of investment by British Rail and Thameslink in the Farringdon/Bishopsgate branch line over the last 10 years. [40146]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI assume that the question refers to the Thameslink Farringdon to Moorgate branch line.
The branch line was last the subject of investment expenditure in 1985 as part of British Rail's significant upgrade and electrification of the route from Bedford to London St. Pancras. I understand from Railtrack that there has been no investment expenditure on the branch line in the last 10 years. As with all routes, it is subject to routine checks to ensure safety and infrastructure quality is maintained.