§ Lord Bradshawasked Her Majesty's Government:
Given the decline in use of the West Coast Main Line since 1993–94 and the low growth in forecast use for that line (indicated by the Written Answers by the Lord Davies of Oldham on 3 February, WA 100–01, and 11 February, WA 167), on what ground the increase in public investment in, and subsidy of, the West Coast Line is justified. [HL1506]
§ Lord Davies of OldhamThis is Europe's longest, busiest mixed-traffic railway route. It is vital to ensure its capability to meet present and future demand. Eighty per cent of the work on the line is related to renewal/replacement of life-expired assets.