§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has had concerning the proposed rail link from Manchester international airport; what response has been made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MooreMy predecessor met the parties particularly interested in this rail link on 14 May. At that meeting, British Rail explained their view that the link would not be commercially viable, and in the light of that, they, the airport and the PTA agreed to consider what contribution they would be prepared to make towards the cost of the scheme. When 1 visited Manchester airport on Monday, the local authorities reiterated their strong support for the scheme. I have asked them and British Rail, to write to me summarising where their discussions now stand.