§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how he proposes to encourage dedicated bus routes on disused railway lines with particular reference to the Shotton Steelworks to Mickle Trafford Railtrack. [1300]
§ Mr. HainPlanning Policy Guidance encourages local authorities in Wales to promote public transport, including improved facilities to make bus services more attractive. It also encourages them to ensure that disused railway lines are not severed by piecemeal development if there is a realistic prospect of their use for transport purposes in the future.
I understand that Flintshire County Council are developing proposals to convert into a guided busway the disused railway line which runs from Mickle Trafford into Deeside, and I stand ready to consider any substantive proposals for support which the County Council may bring forward.