HC Deb 27 March 2001 vol 365 cc564-5W
Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Chichester constituency, the effects on Chichester of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [155284]

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

The principle funding this Department has provided to Chichester District Council from 1997–98 to date is shown in the table. It includes grants and borrowing approvals for revenue and capital expenditure.

It is not possible to determine how much of this money has been spent on the Chichester constituency. It is for the local authority to decide where within its boundary these resources are applied.

obligations under Condition 7 of its network licence, is using his powers under section 55 of the Railways Act 1993 to ensure Railtrack's compliance with that deadline. On 19 March he issued a provisional order under section 55 requiring Railtuck to restore its network to normal capability in most cases by 21 May.

Any failure to comply with the order would expose Railtrack to further action by the Regulator using his powers under the Railways Act, including his powers to impose penalties.

The Secretary of State has no enforcement powers under section 55 in respect of breaches of licence conditions.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assurances he has (a) sought and (b) received from Railtrack concerning the time scale for reinstating the railway infrastructure. [155247]

Mr. Hill

My right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport chairs the Rail Recovery Action Group. Since its establishment in December, the Group has been assessing reports from Railtrack at least weekly on its progress in implementing its National Recovery Plan, and has been urging the company to ensure the network is restored to normal condition as soon as possible, consistent with high safety standards. Railtrack has reiterated its commitment to delivering recovery in accordance with the timetable specified in the Rail Regulator's provisional enforcement order of 19 March.