High-speed Rail

Mike Kane Excerpts

Monday 24th March 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr McLoughlin]

My hon. Friend raises one of the many issues that need to be considered and resolved, but Old Oak Common is likely to become a major new transport focus for future generations, and will have an important role to play. Getting the maximum development in that area will also be very important.

[Mike Kane (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab)]

I thank the Secretary of State for his statement and declare my interest, in that HS2 phase 2 will go directly under my house. Will he confirm the future journey times from Euston to Manchester airport in my constituency, now that phase 1 has been extended to Crewe?

[Mr McLoughlin]

I welcome the hon. Gentleman to the House. I am delighted to see him in his place, but I wish that his predecessor was still there—as I am sure we all do. He was a big supporter of HS2 and believed that it would bring tremendous benefits to his city of Manchester—I agree.

If we build to Crewe, as suggested by Sir David Higgins, it will result in immediate time improvements for Manchester, but I know that what people want to see is the connection to Manchester airport as well as to the city itself.