§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will instruct OPRAF to carry out an urgent investigation into the recent performance of Great Western Trains, with particular reference to(a) punctuality and (b) overcrowding. [33145]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Franchising Director monitors the performance of train operating companies under the terms of the franchise agreement, and he has wide ranging powers under the franchise agreement and the Railways Act 1993 where performance fails to meet the required standards. These powers have been increased following the offer by First Group PLC, a shareholder in the Great Western franchisee, Great Western Holdings Ltd, to buy out the other share holders.