§ Mr. Bagierasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Government have made a decision on the future of grant aid for the Tyne and Wear Metro; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William RodgersYes. The Government have decided to continue financial support for the Tyne and Wear Metro project. In taking this decision, we took account both of the Tyne and Wear County Council's acceptance of the strict financial régime I had required as regards capital expenditure and revenue200W support for the metro, and of the assurances of support the County Council has received from the unions involved at local and national level. I am confident that the County Council will take every action necessary to fulfil their undertaking to me. Arrangements are being made to keep my Department closely in touch with the progress and financing of the project.
I also believe that the Joint Working Party that has been set up under the auspices of the TUC will make progress towards agreement on manning and related issues.