§ Mr. AshdownTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure that punctuality on South-West Trains services from Waterloo to Crewkerne is improved; and if he will make a statement. [110803]
§ Mr. HillThe performance of South West Trains services has been adversely affected over the past few months by a combination of unofficial strike action by staff and the annual leaf fall. Most services have now returned to normal. The Franchising Director is pursuing with South West Trains changes to their staffing policy and levels which should lead to improvements over time in both punctuality and the reliability of all of the company's services.