Mount Barker Railway

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (15:08): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, representing the infrastructure and transport and energy and mining minister, about rail in Mount Barker.

Leave granted.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: This government has been considering the trial of a train supplied by Spanish company Talgo capable of switching gauges and able to travel from Mount Barker to the city in under an hour. I understand delicate negotiations have been proceeding between the minister's department, Talgo and the Spanish government. I note that the hardworking minister and his department CEO, Mr Whelan, happened to be in sunny Spain last week. My question to the minister is: did he and Mr Whelan meet with representatives of Talgo and the Spanish government to discuss the trial, and when will a decision be made regarding the trial?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:09): I thank the honourable member for his question and his ongoing interest in this topic. I will refer the question to my colleague in the other place and bring back a response.