asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect to publish their response to proposals for a new north-south high-speed railway linking England and Scotland.[HL7388]

The Government made a manifesto commitment to look at the feasibility and affordability of a new north-south high-speed link. They have since committed to take this forward in the development of a long-term strategy for the railways, drawing on Sir Rod Eddington’s advice on the long-term impact of transport decisions on the UK’s productivity, stability and growth. Our conclusions will contribute to the long-term strategy for the railways to be published in summer 2007.