East-west Rail Links

Answer: The report produced by Buckinghamshire county council has been overseen by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, which is driving the growth areas agenda. The study linking housing development and transport infrastructure is obviously important to the area, and this project is important for the consortium and the regional stakeholders. As yet, we have not seen the report or the draft conclusions, but any decision will have to take into account value for money, cost and priority.

This is an answer to the Oral question asked on Tuesday, 28 June 2005 by Phyllis Starkey (Labour).

Question: While I welcome the study that is being undertaken, may I remind the Minister that by 2008 there will be an additional platform at Central Milton Keynes station, which will allow the service to turn the corner from Bletchley and come up to Central Milton Keynes, vastly increasing the number of passengers likely to use the Oxford to Bletchley and Central Milton Keynes route? The additional housing growth in Milton Keynes will also increase custom. Will the Minister take those two factors into account?

Secondary information