§ Judy MallaberTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he has completed a preliminary assessment of the economic appraisal of the proposed extensions to the Midland Metro. [142494]
§ Mr. PrescottIn accordance with the policy set out in my Department's Guidance on Local Transport Plans, West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority sought a provisional view on the economic appraisal for two proposed extensions to the Midland Metro, prior to seeking the necessary powers under the Transport and Works Act (TWA). The extensions are between Wednesbury and Brierley Hill and to Birmingham city centre. We have now completed a provisional assessment of the appraisal. I am satisfied that on the basis of the available information the current proposals pass our economic appraisal tests for deciding eligibility for funding.
This provisional view is given solely in respect of the economic appraisal, and does not in any way indicate any view that I may take on any subsequent TWA application. Any such application would be determined entirely on its merits in the light of all the relevant considerations, and only after all interested persons had been given a full opportunity to state their views.
Should TWA powers be obtained, final approval of the project for funding would depend both on whether an updated economic appraisal, reflecting any changes to the scheme as a result of the TWA process or any other 26W developments, demonstrates that the project still represents good value for money and on conclusion of a satisfactory agreement on funding.