§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what powers exist to him to reject a scheme for the proposed Central Railway rail link from the channel tunnel to the midlands following a public inquiry; and if he will make a statement. [20598]
§ Mr. WattsThe relevant powers are contained in section 13 of the Transport and Works Act 1992. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State can make the order, with or without modifications, or not make the order. Where an application has been referred to Parliament as a scheme of national significance, the power to make the order is exercisable only if both Houses of Parliament have passed resolutions approving the proposals, but such resolutions would not affect his power not to make the order. He would make a decision only after having taken into account the inspector's conclusions and recommendation following a subsequent public inquiry.