§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 17 June, if he will list the sector-wide standards set for British Rail with specific reference to train punctuality; what resources his Department devotes to the monitoring of British Rail's performance against these standards; what action he takes when the level of performance falls significantly short of these standards; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe sector standards referred to are set by the Railways Board and published in the Board's 1985 plan. It is desirable that the Board should achieve the standards and I have recently discussed with them in general terms what action they are taking. But detailed monitoring of performance against the standards and decisions on corrective actions where necessary is a matter for the Board themselves.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 17 June, what reasons have been supplied to him by British Rail (a) for the standard of performance achieved in relation to the number of class I trains arriving on time in the London Midland region and (b) for the disparities in the standard of train punctuality between different regions; and what action he has taken in response.
§ Mr. David MitchellThis is primarily a management matter for the Railways Board. My right hon. Friend has not sought from the Railways Board explanations or reasons for the punctuality performance referred to by my hon. Friend. But I understand that the Board have now appointed a Performance Management team for the London Midland Region who for the time being are concentrating on improving the punctuality of the West Coast Main Line services. I understand that the results so far are encouraging.