§ Mr. Matthew BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for the payment of metropolitan railway grant in 1996–97; and if he will make a statement. [7933]
§ Mr. WattsI have no plans for payment of metropolitan railway grant in 1996–97. The current standard spending assessment "bolt on" and MRG will be combined, from 1996–97 onwards, to provide an enhanced SSA "bolt on" for local rail services supported by English passenger transport executives, with the exception of local rail services supported by Greater Manchester PTE in 1995–96. Funding for those services will, from 1996–97, be provided by the franchising director.