To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff in his Department have worked on projects relating to high speed rail (a) between April and 29 September 2008 and (b) after 29 September 2008. (262423)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer on 25 November 2008, Official Report, column 1189W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average journey time by train was from London to (a) Newcastle, (b) Cardiff, (c) Birmingham, (d) Manchester and (e) Plymouth in each year since 1997. (265090)

The Department for Transport does not hold the information at the level of detail requested. However, Network Rail is the custodian of timetable and performance data for the rail industry, and will be able to provide this information. The hon. Member should contact Network Rail's Chief Executive at the following address for a response to his question:

Iain Coucher

Chief Executive

Network Rail

40 Melton Street

London, NW1 2EE.