§ Mr. SwireTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the adequacy of(a) rail services and (b) bus services between east Devon and London; and if he will make a statement. [18282]
§ Mr. JamiesonNo formal assessment of rail or coach services has been made.
On rail services, we would expect South West Trains and Wessex Trains in consultation with local stakeholders to come forward with proposals to meet demands for new or improved services. The Strategic Rail Authority's Strategic Plan, which will be published in the near future, will set out its priorities for enhancement to the network.
While we recognise the value of long-distance coach services, decisions on the services to provide are a matter for commercial operators responding to passenger demand.