§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Davies of Oldham on 5 February (WA 120) in respect of Channel Tunnel services, to whom licensed railway undertakings apply for access through the tunnel; and which regulatory body may require access to be granted if the application is refused. [HL1331]
§ Lord Davies of OldhamLicensed railway undertakings (or other applicants) seeking train paths through the Channel Tunnel can apply directly to Eurotunnel, or to another infrastructure manager 53WA working in co-operation with Eurotunnel to provide a one-stop shop for international paths. Eurotunnel's network statement, which it is preparing in order to meet the requirements of the European directive on allocation and charging of infrastructure capacity, will provide the necessary details for applicants.
The Channel Tunnel Intergovernmental Commission will be the regulatory body to which applicants may appeal if access through the tunnel is refused.
§ Lord Bradshawasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in view of the level of profits made by rolling stock companies, they will take steps to refer the three rolling stock companies to the competition authorities. [HL1356]
§ Lord Davies of OldhamNo. Competition in the rolling stock leasing market was considered by the Rail Regulator in 1998. The Government accepted his conclusion that potential problems could be remedied by means of voluntary codes of practice backed up by the Competition Act. The codes were published by the rolling stock leasing companies (ROSCOs) in February 2000. The Rail Regulator continues to keep under review both the codes and ROSCOs' adherence to them.
The rail review announced by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State on 19 January will cover all aspects of industry structure including rolling stock leasing arrangements.
§ Lord Bradshawasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have to ensure an adequate supply of rolling stock over the next 10 years: and [HL1357]
Whether present shortages of rolling stock in some sectors indicate that the market is not working satisfactorily, and what measures they are taking to address these shortages. [HL1360]
§ Lord Davies of OldhamThe Strategic Rail Authority published its rolling stock strategy in December. A key objective is to ensure the availability of rolling stock to enable operators to accommodate existing and anticipated passenger demand. The SRA also aims to ensure that there is an efficient and sustainable market for rolling stock supply that encourages innovation. A copy of the strategy has been placed in the Library of the House.
§ Lord Bradshawasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have to overcome overcrowding of rolling stock in many provincial cities in England. [HL1358]
§ Lord Davies of OldhamAll train operating companies are required by their franchise agreements to ensure that adequate capacity is provided. The Strategic Rail Authority has published a rolling stock strategy, one of the key objectives of which is to ensure that incentives and commercial interests within the industry are properly aligned to ensure the availability of rolling stock for train operators to accommodate54WA existing and anticipated passenger demand. The SRA has also announced its intention to review its policy on dealing with crowding. It plans to publish a consultation document later this year.