To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what the estimated cost is of building the Liverpool light rail network; and what estimate he has made of the number of jobs created (a) directly and (b) indirectly as a result. (304299)

The Department for Transport has made no estimate of the costs and benefits of a light rail scheme in Liverpool as it has not received a proposal from the promoters. I would be happy to receive a fresh proposal for such a scheme but only if a viable funding package has been agreed.