§ Lord Harrisonasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they will be in a position to announce the arrangements which will apply for the selection of the next operator of the Merseyrail Electrics passenger rail franchise. [HL1830]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonWe have been considering with the Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive (Merseytravel), the Strategic Rail Authority and the Office of the Rail Regulator a proposal for Merseytravel to become responsible for letting the contract for the operation of the Merseyrail Electric services. We will announce our conclusions when we have evaluated Merseytravel's report and had final advice from the Strategic Rail Authority.