SUPPORT FOR HIGH SPEED RAIL LINKS

That this House notes the recent speculation regarding possible expansion of high speed rail links across much of the United Kingdom; acknowledges the massive roll out of such services which is underway in Europe, given the likelihood of higher oil prices being the norm for the foreseeable future and adversely affecting car drivers; and calls on the Government to respond positively to an environmentally-friendly method of public transportation by committing itself to, and making the necessary finance available for, high speed rail feasibility studies in all regions of the United Kingdom to ensure that high speed rail can begin to be seen as a reality for future generations of commuters.