To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what effect the electrification of trans-Pennine rail services will have on local rail services at Mossley Hill and West Allerton; what discussions he has had with British Rail about the provision of a South Liverpool Parkway station; and what discussions he is holding with BR about the Liverpool to Crewe service and the stopping of trains at West Allerton station.

Any decision to electrify the Trans-Pennine rail service would have an effect on local services. British Rail, in conjunction with the passenger transport executive, would need to give the matter due consideration.Decisions on the opening of new stations and the timetabling of existing services are for British Rail, and, where appropriate, the local PTE and not something in which Ministers directly intervene.