§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assistance his Department gives to(a) railway companies. (b) passenger transport executives and (c) local authorities for opening new railway lines and stations. [43419]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Department offers no assistance to train operating companies towards the cost of new railway lines or stations but train operators are free to contribute towards the cost if they wish to do so on a commercial basis. Last November, my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport announced new Objectives, Instructions and Guidance for the Franchising Director. These require him to offer local authorities (including Passenger Transport Authorities) and other potential promoters of railway investment, clear and well publicised guidance on securing finance for new projects and on how the benefits of these can be maximised. He also announced the interim criteria that the Franchising Director will use to appraise proposals to support new services which would not be commercially viable. Copies are available in the Library of the House. Capital resources are available to local authorities, including Passenger Transport Authorities, for local rail infrastructure proposals from the Department's local transport budget.
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