HC Deb 01 November 1995 vol 265 cc315-6W
Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the current level of subsidy provided for the operation of the London-Tilbury-Southend line. [40297]

Mr. Watts

I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Fife, Central (Mr. McLeish),Official Report, 13 July, column 706. Negotiations between the franchising director and the British Railways Board on the support appropriate to each individual train operating company are yet to be completed. I will write to the hon. Member when the level of support has been agreed and will place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what is the level of subsidy projected for the operation of the London-Tilbury-Southend line for the next financial year; [40296]

(2) what is the projected year-on-year level of subsidy to be provided to the franchise operator of the London-Tilbury-Southend line; and if any subsidy will be guaranteed throughout the life of the franchise. [40295]

Mr. Watts

The level of subsidy to be contractually agreed for the full franchise term is currently the subject of commercial negotiations between the franchising director and bidders for the LTS rail franchise. Final bids were submitted to the franchising director on 27 October, and he expects to award the franchise in December.