A NATIONAL high-speed rail (HSR) network could create as many as 42,000 jobs, according to a study.
HSR would enhance economic performance and boost annual economic output by between £17 billion and £29 billion by 2040.
The report, prepared by management consultancy company KPMG, was commissioned by Greengauge 21, the body established to initiate debate on HSR in Britain.
The report said the additional annual economic impacts of HSR could increase annual tax receipts by between £6 billion and £10 billion by 2040 (at 2010 prices).
The greater economic impacts would be in the north of the country, with the largest gains in Yorkshire and the Humber, Scotland, north east and north west England, and the East and West Midlands.
