§ Mrs. HealTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to ensure that the Lichfield to Walsall rail formation will not be obstructed by the construction of the northern relief road and to ensure the railway's continued use for freight and the future use of its double-track formation for passenger traffic.
§ Mr. McLoughlinIt was a condition of the competition to design, build, finance and operate the Birmingham northern relief road that tenderers should obtain the agreement of British Rail for any railway possessions or operating restrictions required in connection with their proposals. It is hoped to announce the result of the competition as soon as possible.
§ Mrs. HealTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what environmental benefits he will consider when judging the case for re-opening the Lichfield to Walsall line to passenger and freight traffic.
§ Mr. McLoughlinMy right hon. and learned Friend has received no such case. It would be for British Rail to put 229W forward one. If the case did not meet the required rate of return on financial grounds alone it would be open to BR, the Passenger Transport Authority and local authorities to take account of external benefits. Grants are available under section 56 of the Transport Act 1968. Criteria for these grants are set out in departmental circular 3/89, a copy of which is available in the Library.