High-speed Rail Debate

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Department: Department for Transport
Tuesday 10th January 2012

(12 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Justine Greening Portrait Justine Greening
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I am actively examining how we can provide more legal assurance in relation to the full Y network. However, we ultimately have to recognise that if this high-speed rail line is going to happen, it will need political will above all else. What I am saying is that the Government have the political will to go ahead with this Y network and that is the thing that matters most. I can assure the hon. Lady that I intend to make sure that we continue to see that level of investment that our current railways so badly need.

Steve Baker Portrait Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con)
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I was delighted to hear that additional protections for the Chilterns will reduce costs. Will the Secretary of State consider tunnelling the entire width of the Chilterns?

Justine Greening Portrait Justine Greening
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Yes, I did that. That approach would have cost £1.2 billion and I believe it is unaffordable.