Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had, or propose to have, with (1) local authorities, and (2) other interested parties concerning completion of a cycle route along the former railway line between Halifax, Bradford and Keighley, particularly in the vicinity of, and through, the Queensbury Tunnel; and whether they intend to instruct Historical Railways Estate not to take any action which would prevent the restoration and use of Queensbury Tunnel for such a purpose until the completion of a full assessment of the tunnel's condition, economic potential, connectivity challenges, and associated asset management issues.

The Department for Transport has appointed a firm of consultant chartered surveyors to assess the future of the tunnel. The terms of reference of the consultant appointment include discussing with the local authority a possible transfer to them. Pending receipt of that report no firm conclusion concerning the tunnel has yet been made by the Department. However Highways England, who maintain the tunnel on behalf of the Department, reserve the right to take such action as is, in their professional view, necessary on the grounds of public safety.