§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reports he has received from the Franchising Director on the performance of the West Coast main line since privatisation. [22093]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI met the Franchising Director on 15 December to discuss current West Coast performance issues and future investment plans. In addition to that, the Franchising Director has regular liaison meetings with my officials. Key performance issues are routinely discussed at these meetings, including the performance of the West Coast Main Line since privatisation. The Franchising Director publishes quarterly bulletins of performance information against Passenger's Charter targets for all Train Operating Companies, and an annual report; these documents are in the Library of the House. The West Coast Main Line franchise was taken over by Virgin Trains on 9 March 1997. Performance of these services is slightly better than it was under British Rail but is still well below Virgin's committed target of 90 per cent. punctuality by March 1998.