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Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Answer

Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he received from the Strategic Rail Authority its study of east-west rail connections through or under London; if he will make a statement about the Government's policy towards a new east-west route; and if he will place a copy of the study in the Library. [159688] Mr. Hill: [holding answer 30 April 2001]: The Strategic Rail Authority sent the report on their extensive study into the issues relating to rail travel on an east-west axis across London to the Secretary of State on 20 December 2000. Following additional appraisal work within the High-Level Group (the Minister for Transport, the Mayor and the Chairman, Strategic Rail Authority), which was set up to develop a co-ordinated approach to London rail projects, we have agreed next steps. Work will start immediately on project definition and design development of a central, cross-London rail link, the tunnel section of which could follow the alignment of the CrossRail scheme. The work will look at alternative service patterns and access to Heathrow. This will lead to a recommendation on the option to be taken forward. At the same time, work will start on a feasibility study of a south-west to north-east London rail link, the tunnel section of which could follow the alignment of the Chelsea-Hackney scheme. This work will be taken forward jointly by the Strategic Rail Authority and Transport for London, under the guidance of the High-Level Group. I am arranging for copies of the Strategic Rail Authority's report to be placed in the Library and published on the SRA website.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

367 c739W; 159688

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Construction Greater London Railways Railway network

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk