§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will instruct the Director of Rail Franchising to consult with rail users consultative committees prior to withdrawal of subsidy in respects of Motorail services;
(2) if he will instruct the Director of Rail Franchising to consult the rail users consultative committees prior to withdrawal of subsidy in respect of London-Fort William and cross-country sleeper services.
§ Mr. Watts[holding answers 7 February 1995]Paragraph 9 of the objectives instructions and guidance issued to the Franchising Director by the Secretary of State on 22 March 1994 requires him to liaise with the central rail users consultative committee and the rail users consultative committees and to take into account their views on the pattern and quality of services to be provided through franchising. I understand that Opraf will consult with rail users consultative committees about the content of the ScotRail passenger service requirement prior to issuing an invitation to tender for the franchise.
For the present, timetable changes remain a matter for the British Railways Board, which I understand notifies the relevant rail users consultative committees of proposed changes so as to give them an opportunity to make representations.