§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve the rural transport network by providing extra funding. [63530]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Rural White Paper published in November 2000 announced that £239 million will be specifically made available for rural transport in England for the three year period 2001–02 to 2003–04, a 54 per cent. increase in funding relative to the previous three year period 1998–99 to 2000–01. Funding levels for future years beyond 2003–04 will be decided following the outcome of the 2002 Spending Review.