HC Deb 05 March 2002 vol 381 c171W
20. Mr. Nicholas Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the level of investment projected for the west coast main line as included in the Strategic Rail Authority's 10-year plan. [36663]

Mr. Jamieson

The precise outputs of the west coast upgrade are currently under review by the Strategic Rail authority and the key stakeholders. Until the outputs are agreed the precise cost of the project will not be known. The plan makes it clear that the upgrade is a priority project.

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what agreement has been reached on the allocation of capacity on the west coast main line. [39012]

Mr. Jamieson

The Strategic Rail Authority is in the course of a review, with Railtrack and the rail operators, of future capacity utilisation on the west coast main line. As and when specific proposals for capacity allocation arise, these will be subject to the approval of the Rail Regulator.