Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure equality in funding for rail services between the north and south.

The Government is committed to investing in infrastructure to support regional growth. As we emphasised in the Transport Investment Strategy, investment decisions should reflect a clear understanding of the particular needs of the country.

As the Government made clear in its Statement of Funds Available, published on 12 October, we are particularly looking to focus rail spending for Control Period 6 on the operation, maintenance and renewal of the railway to improve reliability and punctuality for customers. This will benefit communities across England and Wales.