§ 14. Mr. John EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport to what extent performance levels on the west coast main line are affected by the age of the infrastructure and the age of the rolling stock.
§ Mr. FreemanI recognise that the age of equipment on particular lines can affect performance. That said, British Rail intends to start work soon on renewing the infrastructure on the west coast main line. The precise timing will be decided later in the spring when British Rail has finalised its spending plans. New stock for the line is, as I announced earlier, one of two options under consideration for the planned £150 million leasing facility announced at the time of the autumn statement.
§ 16. Mr. MartlewTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations the British Government have made to European institutions with a view to securing financial support for investment in the west coast main line.
§ Mr. FreemanThe west coast main line is included in the outline plan for the European high speed train network. The Commission has requested further information on such projects. The Commission is at present assessing the likely demand for the proposed networks fund rather than inviting bids for funds.
§ 18. Mr. EasthamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment his Department has made of the economic potential of the west coast main line to carry intercontinental freight and passenger services via the channel tunnel.
§ Mr. FreemanIt would be for British Rail, not the Department, to make such an assessment. British Rail's22W current assessment underlies their proposals for international freight and passenger services using the west coast main line.
§ 25. Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met the chairman of British Rail to discuss services on the west coast main line.
§ Mr. FreemanMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport regularly meets the chairman of British Rail to discuss a variety of railway issues.