High Speed 2 Heads For Scotland

摘要

Transport Minister Lord Adonis has formally responded to a letter from High Speed 2 Chairman Sir David Rowlands dated February 13 setting out his 'initial views on the objectives and remit' established for the development company by the Department for Transport (below). In his reply of March 9, Adonis set out the specific objectives to be met by a report from HS2 which the Secretary of State expects to receive by 'the end of the year'. Firstly, there should be 'a route proposal - with any necessary options - from London to the West Midlands with appropriate environmental, social and economic assessments'. This should be 'sufficiently developed to form the basis for a soundly-based public consultation', should the government decide to proceed with building the new high-speed line. Secondly, HS2 should 'provide advice on the potential development of a high-speed line beyond the West Midlands, at the level of broad corridors'. This would 'consider in particular the potential for HS2 to extend to the conurbations of Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland'.