Written question asked by Lord Boateng (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 October 1996. It was answered by John Bowis (Conservative) on Monday, 14 October 1996 on behalf of the Department of Transport.

Dept of Transport

Question: What statutory responsibilities he has in relation to plans to (a) modernise, (b) otherwise develop and (c) extend the use of the North London Line by Railtrack.

Answer: Mr. Boateng: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what statutory responsibilities he has in relation to plans to (a) modernise, (b) otherwise develop and (c) extend the use of the north London line by Railtrack. [40109] Mr. Bowis: There are currently no plans to develop the north London line, following the recent completion of the electrification works to enable Eurostar services to run north of London. In the event of any future proposal to extend the infrastructure, the Secretary of State would be called upon to consider whether powers should be granted under the Transport and Works Act 1992 to enable the development to proceed. In addition, under the Railway and Other Transport Systems (Approval of Works, Plant and Equipment) Regulations 1994, the Health and Safety Executive, acting for the Secretary of State, is required to approve any proposal to bring into use any new or altered railway works.

Secondary information