HC Deb 13 April 1976 vol 909 cc469-70W
Mr. Frank R. White

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the revised transport policy plan allocation for Greater Manchester which allows £40 million over five years for capital expenditure on highways and public transport, it will now be possible for the Bury road-rail passenger interchange to be built.

Mr. Marks

It is for the Greater Manchester Council to decide what to include in its transport programme, having regard to the resources likely to be available.

Mr. Frank R. White

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the recent large increase in the population of Bury, he will make further funds available to the Greater Manchester PTA for the upgrading and electrification of the Bury-Manchester rail link, including the provision of a road-rail passenger interchange at Bury.

Mr. Marks

The Greater Manchester Council has been given guidelines indicating the level of resources likely to be available for transport purposes in the period 1977–78 to 1981–82. These have full regard to the Government's Public Expenditure White Paper. It is a matter for Greater Manchester Council to decide what provision for rail improvements and passenger interchange facilities to include in its transport programme within the total resources indicated by its guidelines.