Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 11 April (HL6905), how such rolling stock will be capable of operation on rail routes connected to HS2 as differing demand dictates; and to what extent value for money to the taxpayer will be demonstrated, given the absence of information about the operational routes for which such rolling stock will be compatible.

HS2 Ltd is working with the West Coast Partnership Development (WCPD), acting as the future operator, to ensure that the rolling stock is capable of operation on rail routes connected to HS2 as differing demand dictates. HS2 Ltd and WCPD are working with the Department for Transport to finalise the operational routes for which the rolling stock will be compatible, supported by demand and revenue analysis to demonstrate value for money to the taxpayer.