Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 3 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 July 2000. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Monday, 10 July 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: 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.

Answer: 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, 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.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 353 c399W;353 c397W; 129307
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Community development Finance Government assistance Rapid transit systems Urban areas Trams
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk