§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what is the basis of the appointment by the Strategic Rail Authority of consultants to examine the future of the East Coast Line; what is the remit of the consultants; what is the deadline for their conclusions; what are the implications for the future of the franchise on the route; and if he will make a statement. [8276]
§ Mr. JamiesonThere has been no new appointment to examine the future of the East Coast Line. The Strategic Rail Authority announced on 24 August that W. S. Atkins Consultants Ltd. had been awarded the contract to ascertain the need for, and viability of, a new high speed line between London and Scotland. The feasibility study will also establish possible route options and is expected to take a year to complete. The need remains to press ahead with the planned upgrade of the East Coast Main Line as the high speed line, if approved, would be a project for 2010 onwards.