§ 19. Mr. OttawayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the impact rail privatisation will have on the Network SouthEast, south central division.
§ Mr. WattsPrivatisation is designed to halt and reverse the decline in railway use. For the first time there will be a contractual commitment to specified levels of service. Details of passenger service requirements for Network SouthCentral will be released later this year.
§ 20. Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that bids by private sector organisations to operate train services are considered with efficiency and speed by his Department, the Rail Regulator and the Franchising Director.
§ Mr. WattsThe consideration of proposals from private sector organisations to operate train services is primarily the responsibility of the Rail Regulator and, for franchised services, of the Franchising Director. Both are aware of the need to deal efficiently and quickly with proposals, subject to taking the steps necessary to fulfil their statutory functions and duties.
§ 27. Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next expects to meet the directors of Scotrail to discuss the proposed privatisation plans; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WattsMy right hon. Friend met directors of British Rail's 25 train operating units, including Scotrail, on 27 January. He has no immediate plans for further meetings with Scotrail.