§ Mr. SawfordTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what Government funding is available for the introduction of new rail services on the Midland main line. [58081]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonMidland Main Line Ltd. is already committed under its franchise agreement to introducing a significantly increased service frequency in 1999 and procuring 12 new air conditioned two-car diesel multiple units to operate additional stopping services. Promoters of new services can seek Government support for them under the Rail Passenger Partnership scheme, announced in the Transport White Paper. Over £100 million of funding over 3 years, from April 1999, will be made available under the new Rail Passenger Partnership scheme, the Infrastructure Investment Fund and an increase in funding for the Freight Grant scheme. OPRAF will publish guidance on the operation of the Rail Passenger Partnership Scheme shortly.