§ Baroness Thomas of Walliswoodasked Her Majesty's Government:
What the present position is regarding a decision on undertaking the necessary infrastructure works to accommodate trains of piggyback gauge on the West Coast route between London and Scotland; and [HL3743]
What the implication is of the modernisation of the West Coast Main Line for the Government's objective of securing a transfer of freight from road to rail. [HL3744]
§ Lord WhittyFull grade piggyback would need considerable investment in infrastructure improvements and significant government grant support. Railtrack has been in discussion with DETR officials for many months about the scheme.
Ministers are aware of recent press speculation that Railtrack is minded not to go through with the scheme and instead to propose an alternative freight upgrade to a smaller gauge but over more of the network. We have yet to receive a grant application from Railtrack. Any such application will be treated on its merits.