§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the future of Thameslink 2000. [8665]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Government are keen to ensure that the Thameslink 2000 project should not be put at risk by Railtrack being taken into administration. We are discussing with the administrators and the Strategic Rail Authority the best way of ensuring that the project can be carried forward if the enabling powers are granted under the Transport and Works Act 1992. A public inquiry into Railtrack's application for an order under the 1992 Act 223W finished earlier this year and the inspector's report is expected next spring. My hon. Friend will understand that I cannot pre-judge the outcome of the inquiry.