HC Deb 13 January 1997 vol 288 cc115-6W
Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what schemes are being provided, by what mechanism, for rail services in the Greater Manchester area in 1996–97 which in previous years were supported by the section 20 "bolt on" arrangement and metropolitan railway grant; and what arrangements he plans to introduce for future years. [10420]

Mr. Watts

From 1 April 1996 the franchising director assumed responsibility for the financial support of local rail services in the Greater Manchester area previously supported by the Greater Manchester passenger transport executive. It is intended that from 1 April 1997 responsibility for those services will revert to GMPTE, supported by special grant. It is intended that the level of services to be so supported will broadly reflect that currently supported by the franchising director. Subject to approval by the House of Commons, the grant would be paid under section 88B of the Local Government Act 1988.