To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the availability of funding for a high-speed rail line. (268998)

High Speed Two has been formed to help develop the case for high-speed services between London and Scotland, and will report by the end of the year. The report will include advice to the Government on financing and construction proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent estimate he has made of the cost per mile of construction of a new high-speed rail line. (268999)

Precise costs vary depending on a number of factors including the route, whether construction is on a disused railway alignment or built on green fields and the need for major works such as tunnelling. Costs of operation and maintenance must also be considered. Average costs do not therefore tell the whole story, but recent work for the Department for Transport suggested a new double track high-speed rail line might cost £12 to £16 million per route-kilometre.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the letter which he placed in the Library from the Permanent Secretary of his Department to a director of High Speed Two Limited of 14 January 2009, whether High Speed Two Limited provides monthly written reports to his Department. (269005)

High Speed Two provides regular reports to the Department for Transport, and Sir David Rowlands meets regularly with the Minister of State, to report the progress being made.

High Speed Two also publishes a regular newsletter to update and engage with stakeholders.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what recent estimate he has made of the number of dwellings that would need to be demolished to permit the High Speed Two project to be implemented; and if he will make a statement; (269106)

High Speed Two has been formed to develop the case for high-speed services between London and Scotland. As a first stage, High Speed Two will report by the end of the year with a proposed route from London to the West Midlands, setting out any necessary options with appropriate environmental, social and economic assessments. This will form a sound basis for a public consultation on the proposal, including options for a London to west midlands route during the course of 2010, should the Government decide to proceed.

High Speed Two is engaging with stakeholders during the course of this work, and I would encourage any interested parties to contact Sir David Rowlands and his team directly.