§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary for State for Transport what guidelines he has proposed for local authority involvement in socially necessary railway development; and if he will make a statement. [15188]
§ Mr. NorrisThe Government recognise the contribution made by local authorities in supporting improvements to their local rail networks and wish to encourage their continued involvement in the role as specifiers and facilitators, rather than providers, of rail services. In addition, the objectives, instructions and guidance to the franchising director state that he should establish effective liaison with local authorities and other bodies involved in the restructured railway industry.