To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether, following further representations from the hon. Member for Bedfordshire, South-West he has yet heard from British Rail as to whether it intends to re-open the Dunstable to Luton railway line for passenger traffic; and if he will make a statement.

British Rail management are continuing to appraise several options but they tell me that there has been a delay due to the heavy demands on the staff and computer programmes involved in appraising new projects. It will, I regret, be some time yet before they are in a position to take a decision.