17. To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport if he will discuss with East Midlands Trains the merits of reinstating non-stop passenger rail services between London St. Pancras and Kettering; and if he will make a statement. (313728)

The East Midlands timetable was designed to ensure that there is sufficient capacity for the increasing demand at Kettering and other stations on the route. Having long-distance services call at Kettering would increase the likelihood of there being insufficient seats for all passengers.