Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he plans to hold discussions with Network Rail on the potential merits of ensuring that maintenance closures on the east and west coast mainlines are scheduled on different dates.

Network Rail is committed to ensuring that at least one cross-border route is available for passenger and freight services at all times other than in unforeseen or exceptional circumstances. Where that is not possible, Network Rail sets out what steps are being taken to minimise disruption for passengers and freight services.