To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what timetable his Department plans for the distribution of new funding for station improvements to Stockport railway station. (301075)

We are expecting money to be spent in Control Period 4 (up to 2014) on the 10 major interchange stations, including Stockport, which have been identified for priority improvement by the Station Champions. We anticipate a rolling programme of improvements including third party funding from industry stakeholders and local government which may be more forthcoming as we emerge from recession.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what proportion of the new £50 million allocated for station improvements will be allocated to Stockport railway station. (301076)

Network Rail will take the lead in deciding the proportion of the new £50 million fund that will be spent on Stockport station, although the Department for Transport will need to approve the plans, which will be subject to a satisfactory business case and the prospect of an adequate financial return. We will also challenge the industry and local government to raise part of the money required for each of the stations themselves.