HC Deb 28 November 1989 vol 162 c180W
Miss Hoey

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list the latest estimated figures on the amount of increased traffic, particularly freight traffic, that will use existing rail lines as a result of British Rail's decision not to build a tunnel for a high-speed rail link to Waterloo, London from Swanley, specifying the number and size of increased trains on existing routes, the frequency of these trains and the amount of night-time movement of freight;

(2) what works will be required to upgrade sections of existing railway lines on the route from Swanley to central London to allow for the increased passenger and freight traffic; when these works will commence and how long they will take to complete; what is the latest estimate of the effect on local communities of these works; and what arrangements have been made for compensation to local residents on the effect of any upgrading works.

Mr. Portillo

These are matters now being studied by British Rail and its chosen private sector partner, Eurorail.