To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many rail platforms have been lengthened since 1997. (118324)

This is an operational matter for Network Rail, as the owner and operator of the national rail network. The hon. Member should contact Network Rail's chief executive at the following address for a response to his question.

John Armitt

Chief Executive

Network Rail

40 Melton Street

London NW1 2EE

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) unmanned and (b) manned overground train stations there were in each of the last 10 years. (118333)

This information is not held by the Department. Responsibility for stations rests with Network Rail (who operate 17 principal stations) and with the train operating companies. Although the Association of Train Operating Companies maintains current records, they have advised that they do not hold historical information on station staffing. I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 18 December 2006, Official Report, column 1448W on Railway Stations: "According to the records of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) 1187 stations are unmanned Monday to Saturday and 1649 on Sundays."

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what funding is available from his Department to (a) renovate and (b) re-open railway stations and station halts. (119228)

Station operators are required to maintain station facilities to an acceptable condition and Network Rail to maintain the station structures to a safe, operational condition. Where renovation is required it is funded by the operator or Network Rail.

Where proposals are put forward for station re-opening schemes, the Department would expect them to include funding proposals either through third party schemes or Local Transport Plans.