HL Deb 16 July 1996 vol 574 c58WA
Lord Wade of Chorlton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect that work will begin on the upgrading of the west coast main line.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Viscount Goschen)

Options for the west coast main line upgrade are still being evaluated.

Railtrack expects to let the bulk of the contracts for work related to the renewal, involving the power system, track and infrastructure, in 1996. It has recently let two development contracts for a transmission-based signalling system.

Lord Wade of Chorlton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the upgrading of the west coast main line will bring it to a standard to allow speeds of up to 140 mph, so making possible a journey time of two hours between London and Manchester and four hours between London and Glasgow.

Viscount Goschen

This is dependent on the outcome of Railtrack's appraisal of the various options for upgrading the west coast main line. This appraisal is not yet complete.