HC Deb 29 November 1993 vol 233 cc341-2W
13. Mr. Gallie

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will next meet with the chairman of British Rail to discuss investment in the west coast line.

Mr. Freeman

My right hon. Friend regularly meets both the chariman of British Rail and the chairman designate of Railtrack to discuss current railway issues. Further announcements about investment in the west coast main line will follow the outcome of the public expenditure survey.

Mr. Alfred Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the conclusions of the Hambros study into possible joint public/private sector financing initiatives for the west coast main line.

Mr. Freeman

I expect to be able to do so very shortly.

Mr. Martlew

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the detailed terms of reference of the Hambros research project into joint private sector/public sector alternatives for financing the west coast main line project; when the Hambros report was received by his Department; when it will be made public; and what amount was paid to Hambros for the research work.

Mr. Freeman

Hambros's remit is to examine the scope for using private finance to modernise the infrastructure of the west coast main line. We expect to receive the Hambros report shortly, but no decision has yet been taken concerning publication. Hambroc'c final invoice has yet to be received

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary a State for Transport when he next intends to make an official journey on the InterCity train between London and Carlisle.

Mr. Freeman

I last travelled to Carlisle on the west coast main line on Monday 14 June. I intend to repeat the journey again in the coming months.