Metropolitan Railway Passenger Services Grant

HC Deb 13 April 1999 vol 329 c67W

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason the Special Grant report (No. 45) (Metropolitan Railway Passenger Services Grant 1999/2000) does not cover a period of three years. [79721]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The Special Grant Report (No. 45) was made under section 88B of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, as substituted by paragraph 18 of Schedule 10 to the Local Government Finance Act 1992. The use of that power is an interim measure pending establishment of a permanent power to pay the grant. Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary legislation, the Strategic Rail Authority will have a broad power to make payments, including grants to passenger transport authorities (PTAs).