§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the proposals currently being considered by his Department for the re-opening of closed railway lines. [73159]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonNo specific proposals are currently under consideration, but we announced on 25 February that the Franchising Director is taking forward a wide ranging consultation on the future development of rail services. Proposals for the re-opening of lines may also be submitted under the Rail Passenger Partnership Fund effective from 1 April. The Office of Passenger Rail Franchising will be publishing guidance for bidders shortly.