§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the latest position in discussions between the West Yorkshire PTE, his Department and the franchising director over the PTE leasing new rolling stock for the west Yorkshire electrification project; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanIt is for the West Yorkshire passenger transport authority to reach a decision on the leasing of new rolling stock for this project. My Department is assisting. For example, we are participating in discussions with the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising about the role which the franchising director might be able to play in giving assurances about the future use of the rolling stock.