Light Railway Systems

HC Deb 10 July 2000 vol 353 c397W

Mr. Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to fund(a) tram and (b) light railway systems as part of urban regeneration schemes; and if he will make a statement. [129307]

Mr. Hill

Tram and light rail systems can have an important role to play in delivering integrated transport in major conurbations. Decisions on whether to provide central Government support for tram and light rail systems are taken on a case-by-case basis on the merits of the particular scheme. Where systems cannot be funded entirely from local sources or by the private sector, promoters must demonstrate that their scheme provides good value for money and forms an essential part of a local transport plan, and that the objectives of that plan cannot be met in other ways. In the Department's appraisal process, the wider economic impacts of a particular scheme, including any regeneration benefits are considered.