HC Deb 15 June 1993 vol 226 cc525-6W
Mr. Callaghan

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many light rail projects are planned in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Freeman

Local authorities are primarily respon-sible for initiating light rail projects, and I am aware of around 30 that are planning or considering such projects for their area. These are in addition to the schemes towards which the Government has provided resources, the Manchester Metrolink scheme, which opened last year, and the South Yorkshire Supertram scheme, which is under construction and the first phase of which is due to open in early 1994. The Government have also provided funds towards the development of the Midland Metro scheme.