To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions she has had with Network Rail on the major engineering works scheduled for the Birmingham area between 29 February and 2 March 2008, with particular regard to the avoidance of disruption for travellers; and if she will make a statement. (178826)

The Government have no power to intervene in Network Rail’s operations. However, the Secretary of State met with Iain Coucher, chief executive of Network Rail, on 3 January to inform him that the disruption to rail services from the engineering over-runs over the Christmas/new year period, particularly on the West Coast Main Line at Rugby, was unacceptable; and to seek his assurance that such delays would not be repeated and that lessons will be learned.