§ Mr. Tony ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress on his discussions with Railtrack on the protection of access for local rail services between Northampton and Euston following the upgrade of the West Coast main line. [101490]
§ Mr. HillThe Rail Regulator is consulting on a draft order which, if confirmed, would require Railtrack to complete by the end of February 2000 various strategic reviews, including one of the scope for faster services between Euston and Northampton following the upgrade of the West Coast Main Line. The review is intended to provide sufficient information to enable train operators64W and the shadow Strategic Rail Authority (sSRA) to take informed decisions on the existing access arrangements and on the potential for improved services.