§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of representations which he has received from Highlands and Islands Enterprise in respect of the highlands to London sleeper and Motorail services; if he will place in the Library a copy of the economic assessment which he has made of the impact of the withdrawal of such services; and if he will make a statement. [15142]
§ Mr. WattsMy right hon. Friend has recently received a letter from the chairman of Highlands and Islands Enterprise. A copy of that letter has been placed in the Library.
The withdrawal of the London-Fort William sleeper and Motorail service with effect from 28 May is a commercial decision by the British Railways Board. The franchising director will take account of any representations on the economic impact of the withdrawal of this service within the context of his consultation with the Scottish regional councils and the rail users consultative council on the draft passenger service requirement for ScotRail later this year.