§ Mr. CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of former colliery track is owned by Railtrack; and what agreement is required from Railtrack for any re-use. [45100]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonInformation on the proportion of former colliery track owned by Railtrack is not readily available. The decision as to whether former colliery track should be re-used is a commercial matter for Railtrack.
§ Mr. CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to help bring back into use former colliery railtracks and similar disused lines; and what representations he has received about such re-use utilising new technology. [45099]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonAlmost all lines formerly owned by BR (including former colliery lines) are the subject of discussions about transfer to local authorities or railway preservation societies, or are about to be leased to Sustrans, the cycling charity, for the National Cycle Network (with the potential for future rail use preserved).
The Secretary of State has received no representations about re-use of such lines utilising new technology.