Housing minister Rachel Maclean (main picture) has been caught out contradicting the Government’s approach to the future of the highly controversial HS2 rail line.

She told Sky News: “Our focus is on delivering HS2”, despite suggestions from other ministers that the line to Manchester should be scrapped.

Defence secretary Grant Shapps, who was formerly transport secretary, had said it would be “irresponsible to keep ploughing money into the HS2 project”, and it would be “crazy” not to review the soaring costs.

There have been widespread suggestions that the Government is reviewing the spiralling cost of the high-speed train link, and may abandon the extension from Birmingham to Manchester.

Speculation

Sky News’ presenter Kay Burley asked Maclean when there would be an announcement on HS2.

She said: “I’m not expecting any announcement in particular, when there is an announcement it will come forward.”

Burley then asked: “So there isn’t going to be an announcement?”

The MP replied: “I don’t know if there’s going to be an announcement or not. You’re asking me about speculation that was in the media.”

Tried again

The Sky News host tried again: “OK, just to clarify, you’re pausing it not cancelling it?”

It’s not for me to say, I’m the housing minister.”

“No, there is no announcement at the moment,” Maclean said. “It’s not for me to say, I’m the housing minister.”

“You’re representing the government,” Burley pointed out.

It is unclear whether the Government will make an announcement on HS2 this week or delay it until the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement in November.