§ Mr. CashTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what detailed plans are in place for(a) the provision of Channel Tunnel Rail Link Eurostar passengers services to Staffordshire and (b) the opening of rail freight routes on the West Coast Main Line through the Channel Tunnel; [72340]
(2) when he expects the Channel Tunnel Rail Link to reach Staffordshire specifically in relation to Eurostar passenger services and wider freight services. [72339]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson(a) My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister received a report from Inter-Capital and Regional Rail Ltd (ICRR), the consortium appointed by London and Continental Railways to manage and operate Eurostar (UK) Ltd, on 13 November 1998 entitled "Review of Regional Eurostar Services". On 28 January 1999, Official Report, column 340, he announced the commissioning of a thorough and independent review. The terms of reference address a wide range of key issues including, in particular, the study by ICRR and the alternative proposals for regional Channel Tunnel services put forward by the Virgin Group.
(b) Railtrack are responsible for the maintenance, renewal and enhancement of the rail network, including any rail freight gauge upgrade of the West Coast Main Line. However, any such upgrade would require significant amounts of Government grant. No grant application has been received.