Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether Her Majesty's Government has responded to the proposals for a European high-speed rail network prepared by the EC working group; when they will be considered by the Transport Council in the European Community; whether the Government approve the proposals for the Belfast/Dublin/Holyhead/Crewe routes; and what are the longer-term implications for the Belfast/Larne/Stranraer/Carlisle routes.
§ Mr. FreemanThe proposals of the EC working group were interim ones. The group is doing further studies which are now expected to be ready by the end of this year. I am sending the right hon. Gentleman a copy of the joint statement made on this subject on 2 December 1991 by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Transport and my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland and and Scotland.