Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions officials in his Department have had with Network Rail on the implications of the works at and around Blackpool North station for (a) capacity, (b) flexibility and (c) frequency of services in and out of Blackpool North station.

Network Rail has had regular meetings with Department officials and train operators to discuss the overall programme of rail improvement in the North of England and these have included the implications of any works at Blackpool North station as well as other stations affected. The Network Rail and industry process has ensured that the new Blackpool North infrastructure has the capacity and the capability to handle the projected medium and long term demand growth.