HC Deb 20 July 2001 vol 372 cc553-4W
Pete Wishart

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what his policy is on(a) electrification of the east coast main line between Edinburgh and Aberdeen and (b) reopening the Borders railway; and if he will make a statement; [6314]

(2) what powers he has to compel rail operators and Railtrack (a) to begin the electrification of the east coast main line between Edinburgh and Aberdeen and (b) to reopen the Borders railway. [6313]

Mr. Jamieson

These are primarily matters for the Strategic Rail Authority whose Strategic Agenda contains a list of possible future rail schemes, including some electrification schemes and the reopening of the Borders railway.

The Secretary of State has no powers to compel rail operators and Railtrack to proceed with particular schemes.