HC Deb 22 May 1995 vol 260 cc404-5W
Ms Glenda Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 4 May,Official Report, column 255, what plans he has to impose restrictions on (a) the Rahahane Djjomhouriye Eslami Iran, (b) the Socialist People's Libyan Araya Jamihiriya Department of Road Transport and (c) the Iraqi Republic Railways Organisation from bidding to operate rail franchises in Great Britain. [25410]

Mr. Watts

The choice of bidders for passenger rail franchises is a matter for the franchising director, but I understand that none of these organisations has expressed any interest in pre-qualification.

Ms Glenda Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the additional subsidy required for private franchise operators if rail fares are to be raised in line with the retail prices index; and if he make a statement. [23896]

Mr. Watts

Level of subsidy will be determined by the tendering process for each franchise. The Government have stated their commitment to continuing to pay subsidy needed to support passenger services, including the effect of the new fares policy.