§ 16. Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many light rail projects which are privately funded, or partly privately funded, are planned.
§ Mr. PortilloThere are plans for private sector participation in light rail projects in London's docklands, in Manchester and in Bristol. Other possibilities are in the pipeline.
§ Mr. BennettAs most other European countries have had light rail or tramway systems for many years, will my hon. Friend join me in congratulating the authorities which are now considering such a system? Will he say which other local authorities are considering private finance?
§ Mr. PortilloYes, I congratulate local authorities which are considering such systems and private sector interests which are also considering them. Several projects are in the pipeline and among those that spring to mind are those in west Yorkshire and the west midlands, where both passenger transport executives have made it clear that they are interested in private finance.