Sustainable Railways

It is remarkable how representations from Opposition Back Benchers differ so profoundly from what Front-Bench Members say. Opposition Back Benchers have stood up and welcomed what is in today’s White Paper, and even added to the proposals by asking for more investment and capacity improvements, but I have yet to hear those on the Front Bench make a credible proposition about how they would fund the improvements. We have set aside more than £425 million for Reading station in the control period from 2009 to 2014. That will deliver significant improvements for the hon. Gentleman’s constituents.