§ 18. Ms CoffeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met the chairman of British Rail to discuss services on the west coast main line.
§ Mr. FreemanMy right hon. Friend regularly meets the chairman of British Rail to discuss a variety of railway issues.
§ 26. Ms LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what support his Department has given to British Rail's request to improve the rolling stock on the west coast main line.
§ Mr. FreemanAn order for new InterCity 225 trains for the west coast main line is one of two options currently 401W being considered to utilise the £150 million leasing facility made available to British Rail in last year's autumn statement. The choice between the two options is entirely a matter for British Rail in the light of their negotiation with the suppliers and their lessors.
§ 22. Mr. DickensTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the need for replacement of the rolling stock on the west coast main line; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanIt is for British Rail to decide when rolling stock should be replaced. New trains for the west coast main line are one of the options they are pursuing for the £150 million leasing facility announced in last year's autumn statement.