Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the announcement that some railway lines closed in 1963 will be reopened, (1) how much track mileage is to be re-opened for passenger traffic on lines presently in place or used only for freight; (2) how much track mileage is to be re-opened for passenger traffic where track has been removed; and (3) how many stations are to be re-opened on lines presently used for passengers, in the next (a) five, and (b) 10, years.

The volume of railway lines and stations that will be re-opened through the £500m investment, being made during this Government and in subsequent years, will depend on the costs and value for money of qualifying schemes. The Secretary of State is inviting MPs to work with local authorities and community groups to come forward with proposals to explore.