Government made promises on railways it couldn't keep

2.55.18pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 9th Feb 2004

Commenting on reports that the National Audit Office has blamed the Strategic Rail Authority for the unreliability of new rolling stock, West Midlands Euro MP Liz Lynne said:

"It has long been clear that there has been a total lack of proper control and planning with regard to investment in the railways. These problems were inevitable when the Government made promises in 2002 we knew it couldn't keep.

"This damning report underlines again the need for the Government to put proper structures in place. The West Coast Main Line upgrade for example, was supposed to be one of the key transport priority projects, yet the government and the rail industry have failed to get a grip on the West Coast upgrade ever since it was first announced."

ENDS

For further information, comment or to book an interview, please telephone

Liz Lynne on 0032 2284 7521 (Brussels) or 077644 52725 (mobile) or Press

Officer Stuart Ritchie on 01789 266354 or 07833668158(mobile).