§ Mr. Russell BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what action he has taken to ensure that Phase II of the upgrade of the West Coast Main Line will go ahead.[8503]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer 19 October 2001]: Work on the West Coast Main Line upgrade will continue, and we are discussing with the administrators and the Strategic Rail Authority the best way of carrying it forward, without prejudice to the outcome of the public inquiries into specific elements of the project. The Government remain committed to providing a revitalised rail network in the UK, and the upgrade of the West Coast Main Line is an integral part of that commitment. It will not be put at risk by Rai1track going into administration.