Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Michael John Foster (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 28 June 2005 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Reopened Railways

Question: The Cotswold line running west from Oxford to Worcester is hampered by elements of single tracking along its route—the other half of the track has been closed down. Will my right hon. Friend undertake a review of the impact of that on the efficiency and capacity of services along that important route?

Answer: As I said in my original reply, double tracking has been restored on a number of lengths of track where that is justified by the passenger traffic. I can make no specific promises about that particular stretch of track, but I would say more generally that although I understand the many arguments for reopening railways, we are spending a very large amount indeed on them and it will not be possible to meet everyone's representations or demands. At least, my hon. Friend stood on a platform at the last election for increasing public expenditure.

Secondary information