Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, in relation to the study into the possible reopening of the railway line between Colne and Skipton and related matters, what are the terms of reference of the study; what is its estimated cost; which are the commissioning bodies; what is the expected timetable for the study; whom it will report to; what consultations will take place as part of the study; and whether the full results will be published.

The study reporting to the Secretary of State for Transport will evaluate the feasibility of reopening the line for freight and passengers, as part of a freight route across the Pennines. It will be commissioned by the Department for Transport working closely with Transport for the North (TfN) and funded from the Department’s existing resources. The cost is yet to be determined.

The study will build on previous work commissioned by the local authorities and local campaign group. We expect to receive the results later this year in the form of a Strategic Outline Business Case and will then consider next steps with TfN. This is part of our new approach to rail enhancements to ensure we address the needs of passengers and freight, and that funding commitments appropriately reflect the stage of development of schemes. No decision has been taken on whether the full results will be published.