§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what major investment schemes which have been assessed as not meeting the commercial criteria but having wider benefits to the north-west are included in Railtrack's network management statement; and if he will make a statement. [26417]
§ Mr. WattsRailtrack's network management statement sets out an illustrative list of investment schemes which include infrastructure renewal works in the Manchester area and the west coast main line route modernisation scheme. As the statement explains, in the restructured railway, it is for the Franchising Director, in consultation with train operating companies and Railtrack, to assess whether an infrastructure investment scheme meets the service standards and other criteria to enable Railtrack to take the project forward.