§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to ensure that the Director of Passenger Rail Franchising uses his powers to the full extent to ensure that rail operators meet the targets set. [52769]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Objectives, Instructions and Guidance which we issued to the Franchising Director in November last year require him to manage franchises in a way which ensures the prompt and effective delivery of the terms of the franchise agreements and he uses his powers to that end. As our White Paper on the Future of Transport makes clear, we intend to set up a Strategic Rail Authority with stronger powers of enforcement and to seek more demanding performance standards for franchise operators.