Talks are under way between the Government and Northern Rail to bring more carriages to the overcrowded Airedale and Wharfedale lines.

Shipley Tory MP Philip Davies has been told by ministers that conversations have already begun with Northern Rail regarding an additional 100 carriages to be introduced in 2014.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond announced last month that 650 carriages would be provided across the country to ease overcrowding by 2014, though only 100 are expected to be heading to the North of England.

The Government refused to say where the carriages would be because of commercial sensitivity, but Mr Davies said the Government had now confirmed some will be heading to the Airedale and Wharfedale lines.

Mr Davies said: “It is really encouraging news as when the announcement was made by the Government for extra carriages it was a bit vague about where they would be as there were no details. This seems a clear indication to me that the Government is going to give extra carriages to the Airedale and Wharfedale line.

“It is right the lines should get extra carriages as they are two of the most overcrowded lines in the country.”

In a parliamentary question to Mr Davies, Rail Minister Mike Penning said: “I can confirm that the Department for Transport has already re-started discussions with Northern Rail with a view to providing an increased number of carriages on the Wharfedale and Airedale lines, as well as other areas of the franchise.”