§ 13. Mr. Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne, Central)What study he has made of public transport access to millennium projects in Newcastle upon Tyne. [62140]
§ The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr. Chris Smith)All Millennium Commission projects are subject to a detailed appraisal process, undertaken by independent consultants, who consider the access and transport links involved. The Millennium Commission is supporting two projects in Newcastle: the International Centre for Life, adjacent to Newcastle Central station and close to bus and metro links; and the Baltic millennium bridge which spans the river between Gateshead and Newcastle and will increase accessibility to the area for pedestrians and cyclists.
§ Mr. CousinsWill my right hon. Friend seriously consider the fact that, although public transport links for those projects are excellent, they depend on two things? First, that the quayside transit system to link the Baltic project with the city centre is in place and, secondly, on reasonably cheap fares to enable young people to come into Newcastle to enjoy not only the nightlife of the city, but the benefits of the two projects he outlined.
§ Mr. SmithThe specifics of my hon. Friend's question are matters for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, but as a Government we bear in mind, of course, the need for people to travel affordably and accessibly to such major attractions when putting forward our vision of an integrated transport policy.