§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many new railway stations have been opened since rail privatisation; how many new stations were planned at the time Railtrack went into administration; whether, in administration, Railtrack is continuing to plan to open those stations; when work will commence on the new station at Corsham; and if he will make a statement. [52338]
§ Mr. JamiesonI understand that 24 new stations have been opened since the privatisation of Railtrack. A number of potential new stations are at various stages of feasibility evaluation and planning. During railway administration, the administrators are keeping the network operational and running Railtrack plc on a "business as usual" basis. This process includes the consideration of potential new stations.
I also understand that commercial agreements between all the parties involved in the project to build a new station at Corsham are close to being finalised, with a view to securing delivery of the station by May 2003.