Asked by: Lord Ravensdale (Crossbench - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the economic benefits of the Midlands Rail Hub project; and how they are broken down by council or local authority area.
Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
We are working with Network Rail, Midlands Connect, and West Midlands Rail Executive, to maximise the benefits of Midlands Rail Hub throughout the region. Midlands Connect are leading the development of the rationale for the scheme, including the distribution of socio-economic benefits, and will be able to provide more detail.
Asked by: Lord Ravensdale (Crossbench - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask His Majesty's Government what strategic plans they have to increase private investment in the Midlands Rail Hub.
Answered by Lord Davies of Gower - Shadow Minister (Home Office)
The Government has committed in Network North to delivering Midlands Rail Hub in full and increasing funding to £1.75bn, and we have recently released £123m to Network Rail to move the first phase into the detailed design stage. As the scheme progresses through this next stage, we will work with key partners to identify and pursue opportunities for private funding.
Asked by: Lord Ravensdale (Crossbench - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to publish the Integrated Rail Plan before the House rises for the summer recess.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
We intend to publish the Integrated Rail Plan soon. Given the long-term significance of the IRP, it is important that Government carefully considers the priorities and evidence from metro mayors, council leaders, and representatives from the North and Midlands as well as the National Infrastructure Commission’s Rail Needs Assessment, ahead of setting out our plans.