§ Mrs. HealTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what environmental benefits he will consider when judging the case for opening the Rugeley to Walsall line to passenger traffic.
§ Mr. McLoughlinMy right hon. and learned Friend has received no such case. It would be for British Rail to put forward one. If the case did not meet the required rate of return on financial grounds alone it would be open to BR 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.