To ask the Secretary of State for Transport further to the oral answer to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield of 17 July 2007, Official Report, columns 146-47, on Birmingham New Street, what further clarification of the further information is required from partners putting forward the redevelopment case for New Street station; and if she will make a statement. (152084)

We are very clear that something has to and will be done to improve New Street station.

This is fully recognised within the proposed funding provision for the railway for the next planning period (2009-14) and the funding elements for major improvements for the rail related aspects of Birmingham New Street station have today been announced as being given high priority by government.

The proposals of Birmingham city council and its partners seek a very significant investment commitment from the public purse. The Department is therefore scrutinising these proposals carefully and has asked for information to ensure that the funding sought from government represents best value.

This information includes alternative proposals for optimising the benefits of public investment and clarification of proposals for ensuring that the public sector's contribution is set at the right level.