HC Deb 09 February 1999 vol 325 cc149-50W
33. Ms Keeble

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the west coast main line upgrade on rail services to Northampton. [68296]

Ms Glenda Jackson

None. I understand that Railtrack is shortly to provide the Rail Regulator and the Franchising Director with a report on its Strategic Review of services between London and Northampton. The Review will identify options for meeting future demand and improving services.

As part of his assessment of the type and level of services the network should provide, the Franchising Director, acting as part of the shadow SRA, will consider the options identified by Railtrack against the planning criteria already approved by Ministers. A report to Ministers is expected during the second half of the year.