§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many railway stations are planned to be(a) opened and (b) re-opened in the next two years by the franchise companies. [2040]
§ Mr. WattsThere are a number of proposed new stations which were the initiative of local authorities in agreement with British Rail train operating companies. These proposals are being continued by the franchisees.
Franchisees have their own longer-term initiatives to open new stations. The LTS rail franchisee, Prism Rail, intends to open a new station at West Ham by the end of 1999. The midland main line franchisee, National Express Group, is undertaking a feasibility study for a new east midlands Parkway station with the aim of completing building and development of the station during 2001.