§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he now intends that the franchising director will publish his programme for franchising of rail passenger services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has instructed the franchising director to formulate and submit to him by 5 April a programme for franchising BR's passenger services consistent with meeting the Government's targets of commencing the competitive process for the first six franchises by the end of 1994, awarding the first six franchises by the end of 1995, and securing that 51 per cent. or more of the railway passenger services currently operated by BR are provided under franchise agreements by 1 April 1996. Subject to my right hon. Friend being satisfied with the franchising director's programme I expect it to be published shortly thereafter.