asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the journey time and capacity benefits of the proposed West Coast Main Line Stafford bypass; and what are the estimated costs and benefits of the alternative schemes being considered. [HL1903]

Work continues to determine an optimum solution to the present constraint on capacity at Stafford on the West Coast Main Line. A preferred option has yet to be agreed with Network Rail, which is still working on a range of options. These all have varying costs and benefits, although the priority issue is to provide capability to meet the longer-term growth in both passenger and freight traffic on this trunk route.