§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on funding for light rail services. [123990]
§ Mr. RaynsfordLight rail and similar rapid transit systems can have a role to play in delivering integrated transport in major conurbations, particularly in densely used transport corridors. Government funds can be provided to authorities for such systems where these deliver net benefits that are greater than those offered by the available alternatives; cannot be entirely funded from 549W local sources or the private sector; provide good value for money and are essential to the achievement of the objectives of the relevant authority's local transport plan.