Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on funding for the next stage of development of the Southern Rail Link to Heathrow.

A new Southern rail link to Heathrow forms part of our long term aspiration to make getting to the airport quicker and easier for millions of air travellers across south of England and is an exciting opportunity to harness new and innovative ideas from the private sector. The project is in the early stages of development and funding for the next stage is being provided by the Department. The Secretary of State has not had any discussions with the Chancellor in relation to funding this next stage of work.