§ Sir John StanleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the routes on Network SouthEast that he will treat as providing socially necessary rail services attracting continuing payment of Government subsidy after such services are franchised.
§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 11 December 1992]: It will be for the new franchising authority to decide on the appropriate level of passenger services to procure through franchises in line with the overall guidance provided for him by the Secretary of State. Any subsidy required and its level will be determined by competitive bidding.