HC Deb 08 June 1992 vol 209 cc9-10W
Mr. Fry

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the funding of future light rail schemes.

Mr. Burns

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the funding of future light rail schemes.

Mr. MacGregor

Light rail schemes are assessed for grant in accordance with the procedures and criteria set out in circular 3/89. Credit approvals are provided if required for the balance of resources, taking account of any contribution from the private sector. The fact that a scheme has qualified for funding does not however mean that the resources will be available. The Government are determined to keep tight control over public expenditure. We have funded the £135 million Manchester Metro, and are currently funding the £230 million South Yorkshire Supertram but it will not be possible to provide funds for construction of line one of the Midland Metro in the current spending round. However, we intend to continue supporting measures taken by local authorities to improve bus services, including traffic management measures. Such measures involve less call for capital expenditure and do have an immediate benefit for public transport. We have invited local authorities to submit further schemes for resource allocation next year.