To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport if he will assess the effect of reopening the Derby to Manchester rail line to passenger rail traffic; and what recent discussions he has had with the Peak District National Park Authority in respect of their plan to open up closed tunnels to cyclists. (311177)

A full assessment of re-opening the Matlock to Buxton and Chinley section of the Derby to Manchester rail line was carried out in 2004 by the Strategic Rail Authority and Derbyshire county council. It concluded that re-opening would costs between £84 million and £123 million. None of the options considered offered value for money and services under all options would require ongoing subsidy.

We have been in discussions with the Peak District National Park about their plans to improve facilities for cyclists, including the opening and upgrading of some routes through tunnels. We have agreed to provide funding to contribute to this project as part of Cycling England's Finding New Solutions—the Role of Leisure programme.