§ Miss Geraldine SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the public funding available to improve the condition of run down railway stations. [95762]
§ Mr. HillInvestment in station facilities may be eligible for funding under the Rail Passenger Partnership scheme, set up to help provide new or enhanced local and regional rail services which contribute to the Government's wider objectives for rail. The shadow Strategic Rail Authority (SSRA) has issued guidance on bidding for funds for this purpose and is evaluating proposals already received.
A decision on the first group of bids for Rail Passenger Partnership funding is likely to be announced by the SSRA towards the end of 1999 or early in the new year.