§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has been spent by her Department on Community Rail partnerships in rural areas in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (c) 2002–03 to date. [78396]
§ Alun MichaelCommunity Rail Partnerships are supported financially through the Rural Transport Partnership programme, administered by the Countryside Agency on behalf of Defra. The Strategic Rail Authority also allocates £12,500 per annum to Community Rail Partnerships, currently up to September 2003. Annual spending by the Countryside Agency is shown below, which includes funding to the Association of Community Rail Partnerships for providing advice on improving platforms at rural railway stations.
Countryside Agency 2000–2001 £48,629 2001–2002 £128,634 2002–2003 £79,081 (Spent up to October 31)