The HS2 rail scheme, is to be the subject of a Parliamentary committee inquiry, it has been announced.

The House of Commons Transport Committee will look into the strategic case for high-speed rail (HSR).

Construction on the scheme, which will initially run from London to Birmingham, is scheduled to start in 2015.

MPs will want answers on the “robustness” of the assumptions of economic benefit of HS2, which will run through beauty spots in the Chilterns and could be extended north of Birmingham at a total cost of around £32 billion.

The MPs will also question whether the proposed stations on the route are in the best place, which cities should be served by HSR north of Birmingham, the environmental impact of the route and just who will benefit from it.