HL Deb 04 February 2005 vol 669 cc75-6WA
Lord Dykes

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress is being made in discussions with rail industry representatives about the extension of Eurostar, and other high speed train linkages to trans-European Union networks, for journey northwards from London. [HL980]

Lord Davies of Oldham

The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions commissioned Arthur D. Little to make a comprehensive analysis of the costs and benefits of the options for regional Eurostar services and their report,Review of Regional Eurostar Services was published on 17 February 2000. It concluded that there was not a positive economic business case for any of four options for direct regional services to Paris. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has reviewed the market for direct international regional services and has concluded that in terms of likely demand the position has, if anything, worsened.