§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 6 March 1995, column57, what assessment he has made of how much more local funding is necessary before the Government release the funding they have promised for the midland 712W metro line; how many jobs will be created by the new line; what other such rail lines are planned for the west midlands; and what percentage of funding for the midland metro line will come from the local area, and how much will come from the Government.
§ Mr. NorrisAfter considering proposals for funding from local authorities in the west midlands, I am pleased to announce that we are now satisfied with the level of local funding being provided for this project. I can therefore confirm that the Government will provide £80 million of funding, as requested by the local authorities. Together with the local contribution and the funding expected to be provided by the European regional development fund, this provides sufficient funding for the scheme to go ahead.
Midland metro line one is excellent news for travellers in the west midlands; it will be good for the environment and provide motorists with an alternative form of transport in a congested corridor.