Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his policy is on dealing with proposals from transport authorities for new stations which do not fall within that authority's area.

The Department will become involved with proposals for new stations if Government funding is sought to support the new station or if franchised train services are planned to call. By that stage we would expect to see evidence of a strong business case, value for money and support from relevant stakeholders, including all affected local authorities.