§ Ms LawrenceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Organisation Instruction and Guidance issued to the new Strategic Rail Authority in relation to Rail Passenger Partnership funding will allocate a fixed proportion of this funding for use in rural rail infrastructure. [69205]
§ Dr. ReidMy right hon. Friend is currently considering the terms of revised planning criteria for the Franchising Director to apply in appraising support for passenger rail services. These will guide the allocation of funds for Rail Passenger Partnerships by the Strategic Rail Authority, which will be operating in shadow form from April pending legislation. I cannot anticipate publication of the revised criteria, but applications in respect of rural rail infrastructure will be welcome.