§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had this year with(a) Railtrack plc, (b) the train operating companies and (c) other interested parties concerning the delays in establishing services between the West Coast Main Line Railway and mainland Europe for (i) Eurostar passengers and (ii) piggy-back freight journeys. [57287]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Department has continuing discussions with London and Continental Railways (LCR) and the Consortium which is responsible for regional Eurostar services. The Government and LCR have also received proposals from the Virgin Group. The564W consortium selected to operate Eurostar have been asked to review urgently the feasibility of regional services and report by the end of this year.
Railtrack has for some time been considering an upgrade of the West Coast Main Line to accommodate "piggy-back" rail freight. Ministers meet regularly with representatives of Railtrack to discuss various issues connected with the rail network. The proposed piggy-back project would be likely to require substantial Government grant and Railtrack has had lengthy discussions with Departmental officials about the project.