HS2 staff 'earn more than the PM'

Two staff at the company created to develop the High Speed 2 rail link earn more than the Prime Minister, Parliamentary papers have revealed.

HS2 Ltd employ 206 staff, Transport Minister Simon Burns said, one of whom earns more than £160,000 and another who earns more than £170,000.

The figures were revealed in a written answer to shadow transport secretary Maria Eagle, who requested a break down of all HS2 staff by £10,000 salary bands.

The biggest band is that between £30,001 and £40,000, which includes 63 staff.

HS2 Ltd is owned by the Department for Transport and is responsible for promoting and developing the line, due to link London and Birmingham. A second phase would see two branches extending to the north of England.

Prime Minister David Cameron earns an annual salary of £142,500.