asked Her Majesty's Government:What arrangements are being made to set up a high level body comprising the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, the Strategic Rail Authority and Transport for London to co-ordinate future development of the rail system serving London. [HL909]

Last November, I agreed some high-level arrangements with the Mayor and Sir Alastair Morton to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the development and taking forward of rail schemes in London. Meetings at official level between my department, the Government Office for London, the Strategic Rail Authority, and Transport for London are currently taking place. On the basis of their work, I expect to meet with the mayor, Bob Kiley and Sir Alastair Morton in early March.