§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what date he received the report of the inspector into the application by the Ffestiniog Railway company to re-open the Welsh Highland Railway between Dinas and Porthmadog; and what was the average time taken by ministers to make a decision of such reports in the past three years. [74298]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Inspector's report following the public inquiry into the Welsh Highland Railway was received on 22 April 1998. In those five Transport and Works Act cases where decisions have been taken by the Secretary of State in the last three years following a public inquiry, the average time has been between 12 and 13 months from receipt of the Inspector's report. Four reports are currently before the Secretary of State for determination in addition to that for the Welsh Highland Railway. These reports were received on 6 October 1997, 2 February 1998 (interim decision letter issued on 8 September 1998), 6 February 1998 and 23 February 1999.