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Planning Bill

I wish to speak to Amendment No. 439 on behalf of my noble friend Lord Berkeley who has had to go to the Institution of Electrical Engineers to deliver a lecture at 6 o’clock. I hope that the Committee will understand that he could not be here. The effect of the amendment is to make it clear that railways as well as roads and other transport facilities fall within infrastructure. I have come across a number of cases in Yorkshire where local authorities contribute to certain elements of rail, whether signalling, new halts, bridges, lines or rolling stock. It can be quite important in improving regional, sub-regional and local services. It would be helpful if it were clear to local authorities that railways are firmly included in infrastructure.