HC Deb 15 March 2002 vol 381 c1275W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions why the upgrade in Greater Manchester has been excluded from the SRA Strategic Plan. [41760]

Mr. Jamieson

Page 98 of the Plan states: "The SRA, in partnership with Railtrack, GMPTE, Manchester International Airport and the Highways Agency, has completed theGreater Manchester Strategic Rail Study, which sets out a strategy for the development of the rail network in Greater Manchester over the next 20 years. The first key building block, the creation of a TransPennine Express franchise, is currently underway. The partners in the study are now considering how best to take forward longer term options."