HC Deb 03 March 2000 vol 345 cc417-8W
Mr. Pollard

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 21 February 2000,Official Report, column 706W, when he expects to be able to publish the shadow Strategic Rail Authority's proposals for additional capacity on the Bedford to London section of the Thameslink route which will not be dependent on the Thameslink 2000 project. [112425]

Mr. Hill

Thameslink's initial proposals for additional capacity were set out in "Thameslink—A New Partnership for the Millennium" which they published in March 1999. Discussion of these and other proposals to enhance capacity on the Bedford to London section is continuing with the Franchising Director, who will make an announcement in due course, I have asked the Franchising Director to keep my hon. Friend directly informed of progress.