Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how much funding they have set aside for HS2 phase one enabling works, design and pre-construction activity; and how much of that funding has already been spent and on what.

Spending Review 2015 established a long term funding envelope for Phase 1 of £27.18bn in 2015 prices. HS2 Ltd is expected to manage all elements of the delivery of Phase 1 from within the overall funding provision.

In November 2016, HS2 Ltd awarded three Enabling Works Contracts. These are structured as framework contracts, with a total combined value of up to £900m (in 2015 prices). These contractors in place in advance of the main works contracts are delivering a range of activities including archaeology, site clearance, establishing site compounds, utility diversions, ecology surveys, demolition, ground remediation, watercourse activities, highways realignments, monitoring and instrumentation, structural reinforcements and drainage work.

Government spending on HS2 Ltd is detailed in the Department for Transport’s annual report and accounts.