HC Deb 28 February 1985 vol 74 c258W
Mr. Clifford Forsythe

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessments have been made of the possible economic and social advantages for Northern Ireland of a cross-town rail link in Belfast between York road station and central station.

Mr. Chris Patten

The economic and social advantages were examined at the public inquiry into the Belfast Transport Strategy Review in 1977. A new strategy plan for the Belfast urban area is being prepared and this will include a review of transportation strategy for which updated analyses of the costs and benefits of component proposals will be prepared.

Mr. Clifford Forsythe

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the Government's proposals to the European Commission for the regeneration of Belfast include the provision of funds for a cross-town rail link.

Mr. Chris Patten

The Belfast integrated operations document presented to the European Commission identifies a large number of projects. However, only the projects in schedule 1 to the document have funds committed to them. The implementation of projects in schedules II and III is dependent on funds becoming available, and the cross-harbour rail link is a schedule. III project.