§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what contacts there have been between Ministers in his Department and representatives of or advisers to Central Railways; [91991]
(2) what contacts there have been between officials in his Department and representatives of or advisers to Central Railways. [91990]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThis reply covers the period since 1 May 1997. No central record is kept of such contacts but I am aware that representatives of Central Railways have kept my officials informed, by way of meetings and correspondence, of their preparation of a scheme for a railway freight line between Liverpool and the Channel Tunnel. I understand that the last meeting took place last October. All contacts by my officials are without prejudice to consideration of any scheme that may eventually be submitted under the Transport and Works Act 1992. Central Railways have also written to Ministers in this Department enclosing an information brochure about the scheme. I am not aware, however, of any meetings between Ministers in my Department and representatives of Central Railways about the scheme.