§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the financial(a) incentives and (b) disincentives to (i) local authorities and (ii) Railtrack in respect of (1) the reopening of disused lines and stations and (2) the creation of new lines and stations. [78265]
§ Dr. ReidNone. The Rail Regulator has started a comprehensive reappraisal of the level and structure of access charges. He has made it clear that he wants to use his review to promote investment and growth in rail services, and to improve the performance of the railway network. We have endorsed those objectives. We expect the Rail Regulator to put in place a charging structure which imposes incentives on those in the industry to invest properly in the network.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the average cost charged by(a) British Rail and (b) Railtrack for (i) station reopenings and (ii) reopening track for passenger use expressed on a cost, per mile, for each year from 1980 to date. [78264]
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy on the substitution of rail services by bus services; and if he will make a statement. [78260]
250W
§ Dr. ReidThe Objectives, Instructions and Guidance which we issued to the Franchising Director in November 1997 require him to secure that minimum service levels remain at least broadly comparable to those specified in the current Passenger Service Requirements. Discontinuation of rail services could occur only after comprehensive closure procedures have been exhausted. These powers have been used very rarely and we do not expect that to change.