§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what undertakings he has received from First Group concerning their future intentions for North Western train services in Lancashire. [34462]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonFollowing the offer by First Group PLC to buy out the other shareholders of Great Western Holdings Ltd, the Franchising Director has secured a package of passenger benefits and investments which include, for the North Western Trains network: £1 million to be spent on additional passenger benefits, following consultation with the local Passenger Transport Executives, passengers' representatives and other interested bodies as to what the money should be spent on; CCTV cameras to be fitted to the 70 new trains North Western Trains are providing as part of their franchise commitments; and £100,000 to be spent on providing wheelchair access at core stations by the time that the new trains are introduced.