Rail Transport

Albert Owen (Ynys Môn) (Lab)
9.  What recent discussions she has had with the First Minister of Wales on developing rail transport in Wales.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr David Jones)
My right hon. Friend has regular discussions with the First Minister about a range of transport issues that affect Wales, most recently last week.

Albert Owen
Has the Wales Office done a study of the impact of High Speed 2 on Wales, and has the Wales Office put the case for improving the lines west of Crewe and line speeds, as well as possible electrification, so that we can have a high-speed Wales?

Mr Jones
I share the hon. Gentleman’s concern about speeds on the north Wales coast line. The Wales Office discusses these matters regularly with the Department for Transport and will continue to do so.

Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con)
What discussions has the Minister had with the European Parliament on trans-European network funding to enhance the railways?

Mr Jones
As we consider what methods to adopt to improve the funding regime for railway lines in Wales, we will certainly look carefully at the EU TEN network funding, which is available from the European Community.

Mrs Siân C. James (Swansea East) (Lab)
As we know, economic growth is one of the ways we can improve infrastructure in Wales, but to do so we need a modern railway, and that means electrification as far as Swansea. What impact assessment has been made of the effect on the commuter and holiday trade of rail electrification to Swansea?

Mr Jones
I commend the hon. Lady for her interest in this matter on behalf of her constituents and can assure her that we remain very interested in the electrification of the line and are working closely with the Welsh Assembly Government to develop the business case. [Interruption.]

Mr Speaker
Order. Far too many noisy private conversations are taking place. Let us have a bit of hush for Mr Robert Halfon.