§ Sir S. McAddenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has reached a decision on the mode to be adopted for the London—Maplin high speed link; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. PeytonThe Government have decided that, initially, the high speed link to Maplin should be a conventional rail track terminating at King's Cross. This could offer a service running initially at up to 125 m.p.h, with the possibility of 150 m.p.h or even higher speeds later. We intend, however, to examine the possibilities of keeping open options to introduce new advanced technology systems at a later stage.
I have therefore set in hand an urgent study of this whole matter, including the organisation needed for constructing and controlling the link, the choice of traction and vehicles for it, the practicability and cost of keeping options open for the introduction of more advanced systems, and the contribution that British industry can make to the techniques and types of vehicles for passenger and baggage handling both on the link and within the new airport. This work will be carried out, in close consultation with my hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace and Shipping, by a small group, including both British Rail and the British Airports Authority, under the Chairmanship of my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State, who has special responsibilities for the Maplin project.
We are appointing consultants to undertake an urgent study to show how the King's Cross terminal can provide an attractive and convenient interchange for national and international air passengers. This work will be carried out in close consultation with British Rail, the British Airports Authority, the London Transport Executive and the local authorities mainly concerned.
A separate study, announced earlier this year, into possible routes for a motorway/rail corridor across South Essex is already well advanced.