NEW transport secretary Geoff Hoon has ordered a major study that could lead to the most important development of Britain’s rail network in decades.

In his first major policy move since taking over from Ruth Kelly he has set up an expert group that will look at building new high-speed rail lines and the electrification of key parts of the network.

Mr Hoon has stressed how new rail lines could boost economic growth, including housing development, as well as help fight global warming.

It has been seen by some as a major Government U-turn, but although Ministers were decidedly cool on high-speed lines when publishing the Rail White Paper in the summer of 2007, there had recently been a marked shift in attitude.

New rail minister Lord Adonis will chair a National Networks Strategy group comprised of representatives from Network Rail, the Highways Agency, the Treasury and other government departments.

This will focus on how to make the best use of existing key networks, including “the selective extension of rail electrification”. There will also be a focus on longer term solutions for the strategic corridors. “This will include consideration of wholly new rail lines, including high-speed rail,” said Geoff Hoon.

“We are committed to developing a modern sustainable rail system that supports economic growth, including housing development and the climate change agenda.”

Work will start immediately, and Lord Adonis will report on progress early next year.

The statement was issued shortly before Mr Hoon appeared before the Commons Transport Committee for the first time in his new job.

He told members: “I am passionate about developing practical plans for further electrification on key routes and about assessing the scope for new lines, including high-speed lines – I believe both options have the potential to bring real benefits for rail passengers.”

Mr Hoon also told how he was “absolutely delighted” to have been given the transport portfolio. He grew up in a railway family, as his father and grandfather were railwaymen.

But shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers accused him of “empty words” and making “no concrete promises at all”.

“This is just the latest example of 11 years of spin and re-announcements from Labour, it is a deeply unimpressive statement from the new transport secretary,” she said.

And Liberal Democrat spokesman Norman Baker said: “We now need assurances that this programme will result in the major investment in our railway infrastructure that is so desperately needed.”