Written question asked by Fraser Kemp (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 February 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 February 2010. It was answered by Chris Mole (Labour) on Monday, 22 February 2010 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Railways: North East

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what his most recent assessment is of the potential for high speed rail services to the North East.

Answer: The Department for Transport is continuing its assessment of the detailed report from High Speed Two on a detailed route proposal for the first stage of a north-south high-speed line between London and the West Midlands, which was received at the end of last year. The report also contains advice on options for extending high-speed services, and high-speed lines, to destinations further north, including the North East. If the Government decide to pursue proposals for high speed rail, we will publish a White Paper setting out plans by the end of March 2010.

Secondary information