HC Deb 01 April 2003 vol 402 cc609-10W
11. Martin Linton

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the outstanding funding issues that require resolution before the East London Line extension project can be taken forward. [105795]

Mr. Jamieson

The Strategic Rail Authority has made budgetary provision to develop the project further and to undertake preliminary works, if and when the outstanding planning issues are resolved. It is intended that the main works should be built and financed through a Special Purpose Vehicle and the Authority is discussing with the Department how best to structure this.

12. Vernon Coaker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to develop local rail networks. [105797]

Mr. Jamieson

The Secretary of State's Directions and Guidance require the Strategic Rail Authority to have regard to "compatibility and consistency with local transport plans and regional transport strategies." The Authority's Strategic Plan sets out the developments being taken forward over the next 10 years in each area of the country.

13. Ian Lucas

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the announcement of the rail franchise for Wales will be made. [105799]

Mr. Jamieson

The Strategic Rail Authority expects to announce the preferred bidder in June. The new franchise is expected to commence this Autumn.

14. Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about investment in the national railway infrastructure. [105800]

Mr. Spellar

Total investment in the rail industry in 2001–02, excluding rolling stock, was £3.1 billion. The bulk of this is in respect of rail infrastructure. Details of this investment are set out in "National Rail Trends", which is published by the SRA.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the Strategic Rail Authority on the development of a high speed train service throughout the UK. [105796]

Mr. Jamieson

We are in regular contact with the Authority over all aspects of railway services. The Authority is currently considering a draft report which it has recently received on the potential viability of a new north to south High Speed Line. The Authority intend to consult on the conclusions of the study later this year.