14. To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what recent discussions he has had on proposals for a high-speed rail link between the North West and London. (294807)

The Secretary of State and my ministerial colleagues meet regularly with key stakeholders to discuss a range of transport issues, including high-speed rail.

The Secretary of State was in Manchester on Wednesday 21 October 2009 at the Northern Regeneration Summit, where he engaged with a range of organisations and regional bodies, and provided the keynote speech, on high-speed rail.

I also engaged with stakeholders across the North West, Yorkshire and Humber as part of my rail tour of those regions in September.

15. To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what recent progress has been made on consideration of proposals for a high-speed rail hub at Birmingham International Airport. (294808)

“High Speed Two” has been formed to help develop the case for high-speed rail services. As a first stage, High Speed Two will report by the end of the year with for a proposed route from London to the West Midlands. This will include consideration of a range of route options as well as access to central London and the other cities served.