HC Deb 26 January 1996 vol 270 c460W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the criteria for determining that a rail service is essential for the purposes of designation as a socially necessary service; and if he will make a statement. [11973]

Mr. Watts

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 22 January,Official Report, columns, 28–9. The Secretary of State's instructions to the franchising director require him to develop specific criteria for evaluating the benefits of loss-making but socially necessary services. These criteria are being developed and will be submitted to the Secretary of State for his approval in due course.