§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when, and in what circumstances, he was informed about the proposed reduction in train services planned on the lines to the Sussex coast, Euston to Northampton, the Kent link, Hastings, Sheerness and Medway Valley lines, the lines from Liverpool Street into Essex and the Fenchurch Street via Tilbury to Southend line.
§ Mr. FreemanIt is for British Rail to decide what level of service is appropriate on each line. The board has, however, kept the Department informed of the broad thrust of its plans for Network SouthEast services as they have been developed over the last three to four months. I understand that the changes involve reductions in services of 2 to 3 per cent.—about half the loss of patronage over the last year.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 15 March, what assessment he has made of the benefits to the Thameslink and other Network SouthEast services of creating the relevant length of new viaduct and track between London Bridge and Metropolitan junction.
§ Mr. NorrisI refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I gave him on 16 February at column153. It is for British Rail to appraise enhancements to the Thameslink service.