§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the(a) time taken on the renewal of the Chiltern and South West Trains franchise process and (b) the Strategic Rail Authority estimate for the establishment of a final agreement for the Wales and Border franchise. [28560]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Strategic Rail Authority is continuing to negotiate final agreements for the Chiltern and South West Trains franchises. A further announcement will be made shortly. The authority hopes to announce a preferred bidder for the Wales and Borders franchise by autumn 2002, and to have a new franchise in place by spring 2003.