Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential economic benefits of re-opening the Leamside Line for Washington and the Coalfields within Sunderland City.

The Government considers the re-opening of the Leamside Line is best considered as part of a future city region settlement, which will be available once appropriate governance arrangements are in place.

I expect to receive a locally-led business case in the Autumn, at which time my officials will consider the potential economic benefits of re-opening the Leamside Line.