§ Lord Colwynasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will publish the franchise agreements for those passenger rail franchises that have recently been awarded by the Franchising Director.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Viscount Goschen)The Gatwick Express, InterCity East Coast and Midland Main Line franchises commenced operation yesterday, 28th April. Copies of the franchise agreements and ancillary documents have today been placed in the Library. Certain provisions of these documents have been deleted in line with Section 73 of the Railways Act 1993.
The Network SouthCentral franchise will commence operation as soon as practicable and a copy of the franchise agreement will be placed in the Library thereafter.