In addition, at any one time there is always a larger number of speed restrictions in force on the network, needed to maintain safe operation in adverse operating conditions and to enable normal maintenance activities to be completed. Railtrack is responsible for the management of speed restrictions, and reports to the Rail Recovery Action Group on the total in force nationally in the light of the Hatfield accident. The detailed figures for individual lines are however a matter for Railtrack. In the light of its concern about extended journey times on London-Norwich and other services, the group, chaired by the Minister for Transport, is urging Railtrack to remove temporary speed restrictions as soon as possible, consistent with high safety standards. My right hon.
Ministers have frequent meetings on a bilateral basis with a range of industry figures.
Information is available only on a water company basis. For England and Wales, 10.6 per cent. My Department does not have information covering the United Kingdom as a whole. Between 2000 and 2005, North West Water plans to renew or renovate 281 miles of sewer. For England and Wales, the comparable figure is 1,130 miles.