HC Deb 25 June 2002 vol 387 cc770-1W
Joan Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will make resources available to enable rail freight to be diverted away from train paths required for the East London Line extensions. [64287]

Mr. Jamieson

As outlined in its Strategic Plan, the SRA is currently advancing feasibility work on an upgrade of the Gospel Oak—Barking line and take future growth in freight path demand away from the Dalston—Highbury and Islington section of the East London Line extension. However, it is not expected that existing freight paths using the Dalston—Highbury and Islington section will be diverted away from the route. The freight operators hold access rights with the rail regulator for this section, and the ability to run electric traction and gauge-sensitive traffic on the route means these paths are unlikely to be released.

Joan Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on progress in funding the East London Line extensions. [64285]

Mr. Jamieson

The advance works which London Underground are currently undertaking on the northern extension have been funded by the Strategic Rail Authority. The Authority, together with Transport for London and London Underground, is now engaged on a review of the scope of the project as a whole, and in doing so is looking for a robust revised business case, procurement options and the interdependencies on other projects. The revised business case should be submitted to Government in the autumn.