§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will instruct the Franchising Director to include the existing sleeper services between Scotland and England in the contract with operators of the west coast main line.
§ Mr. FreemanMy right hon. Friend has instructed the Franchising Director that his specification of minimum service levels for railway passenger services is to be based on that being provided by BR immediately prior to franchising, taking into account the existence of and justification for seasonal variations in service schedules. The Franchising Director will consult the appropriate local authorities and rail users consultative committees on his 161W proposals for the minimum service specifications for franchised operations on the west coast main line in due course.