Written question asked by Roger Gale (Conservative) on Friday, 15 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 October 2004. It was answered by Tony McNulty (Labour) on Thursday, 21 October 2004 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he expects to announce a decision in relation to the future of the Integrated Kent Rail Franchise; if he will provide support for the development of a fast rail link between East Kent and London, including Manston Airport.

Answer: Mr. Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he expects to announce a decision in relation to the future of the Integrated Kent Rail Franchise; [192801] (2) if he will provide support for the development of a fast rail link between East Kent and London, including Manston Airport. [192802] Mr. McNulty: The Strategic Rail Authority wrote to stakeholders in July letting them know that the Invitation to Tender and Stakeholder Briefing Document would be issued in the autumn. With regard to the provision of services to Mansion Airport, the SRA has not as yet received any proposals for a new station in the vicinity of Mansion Airport and any such proposals will need to be the subject detailed analysis as set out in the SRA New Stations document published in September. Funding for such a station will also need to be considered from the outset.

Secondary information