HC Deb 02 November 1995 vol 265 cc469-70W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effect on the Robin Hood railway line of price competition between bus companies covering the route; and if he will make a statement. [40913]

Mr. Norris

I am aware of the very keen price competition between bus operators covering the route of the Robin Hood line, in particular between Hucknall and Nottingham. Nottinghamshire county council, which has sponsored the reopening of the Robin Hood line, is closely monitoring the position.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much money(a) his Department, (b) the EC, (c) the county council, (d) local councils and (e) other partners have put into the Robin Hood line to date; and what amounts will have been paid by the completion of the line. [40987]

Mr. Norris

The capital cost of constructing stages 1 and 2 of the Robin Hood line has been around £23 million. My Department has so far provided £6.5 million from the coal regeneration fund towards the construction of stage 2 and £367,000 towards the construction of Bulwell station in stage 1. Around £4.5 million is expected from the EC and the majority of the remainder has been provided by Nottinghamshire county council, which is the sponsor of the scheme, with contributions from the district councils. My Department is currently considering the case for further resources to cover capital cost increases on stage 2.