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11 Feb 2003 : Column 845—continued
Dan Norris (Wansdyke): Hear, hear.
Mr. Jamieson: The Whip agrees. I have made it clear to the hon. Member for Tatton that, because that work has been carried out, there is an opportunity for the services that currently stop at Wilmslow to be considered. Had we not carried out that work and pursued the route taken in the 1990s, I assure him that, in the unhappy event of his party forming a Government, there would be no service at all on that line. He is nodding sagely as if to agree.
Mr. Osborne: I certainly am not.
Mr. Jamieson: I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will reflect on that development, and that his constituents will give it careful consideration.
The modernisation of the line will provide better punctuality and reliability. The SRA is targeting 90 per cent. of trains to arrive on time by 2008. All this, as I
have said, represents substantial expenditure. While the total project cost is about £9.8 billion, the bulk of that is to be spent on renewals, returning the west coast main line to acceptable modern standards. The upgrade work itself has a cost of about £2.3 billion. That is a huge commitment from the Government, but one that we are clear that we must make. The west coast main line is a flagship project. After a series of knocks and setbacks, a deliverable and affordable plan has now emerged. The project is fully under control. The SRA and its industry partners are striving to achieve the best overall balance for the users of the line. I understand that its final strategy is due to be published within weeks and will contain full details of the services to be provided.If the hon. Gentleman has further queries, I am sure that he will enter into a dialogue with the SRA, which I assure him will be happy to speak to him about his concerns. I hope that my remarks this evening in the short time available will prevent him from fretting needlessly. I am grateful to him for raising the matter and giving us an opportunity to air it, and I hope that my comments will bring him and his constituents some comfort.
- Adjourned accordingly at half-past Five o'clock.
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