§ Mr. KilfoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the upgrading of the Liverpool spur of the West Coast Main Line. [166978]
§ Mr. McNultyAs part of West Coast Route Modernisation, it is planned to upgrade the line progressively between Weaver Junction and Liverpool, with the benefits being delivered from June 2005 onwards. These changes, along with improvements to other sections of the West Coast route, will provide for faster services between Liverpool, London and other key destinations.
§ John ThursoTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the total estimated cost is of the West Coast Main Line upgrade; and what proportion of this cost is accounted for by(a) construction, (b) consultants and (c) compensation to train operating companies. [166007]
§ Mr. McNultyThe total estimated cost of the West Coast Main Line project is forecast to be £7.6 billion. The upgrade comprises a large number of individual contracts whose composition is a matter for the contracting parties.