§ Mr. WattsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the Government's policy is on the proposals by Central Railway for a new direct freight line to Europe from the north-west; if he will publish the advice that he has received from the Strategic Rail Authority on this matter; and what discussions have taken place with Central Railway about the proposed line. [149840]
§ Mr. HillCentral Railway has requested the Government's support for the approval of its scheme through a hybrid Bill but the company has not yet submitted details of its proposals.
The SRA is to undertake a review of Central Railway's proposals. This will examine the project in the context of our 10-Year Plan objectives and the SRA's own strategy for freight. I will follow the review with interest and make a further statement in due course, taking into account the SRA's findings.