Oral Answers to Questions

James Gray Excerpts

Thursday 28th February 2013 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con)]

1. How many new railway stations have been opened since privatisation; and how many further stations are planned in the future.

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Patrick McLoughlin)]

Since May 1996, 56 stations in England and Wales have been opened. Local authorities, passenger transport executives, devolved bodies and Transport for London lead on the planning and promotion of stations. We are aware of about 40 stations which are being considered for opening by these bodies in England and Wales.

[Mr Gray]

The mayor of Bristol has recently announced ambitious plans that would include the reopening of Corsham station, a project for which many of us have campaigned for many years, ably led for much of his 31 years as a councillor by Councillor Peter Davis. Does the Secretary of State agree that if we are to get people off the roads and on to trains, we must do all that we can to make the mayor’s vision of a reopened Corsham station a reality?

[Mr McLoughlin]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for bringing to my attention the excellent work that has been done by Councillor Davis in his constituency for a very long time. I am also aware of my hon. Friend’s campaigning efforts in relation to stations in his area. He will be aware that bids are being considered under the new stations fund, and I hope to make an announcement shortly.