§ Ms ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies his Department has commissioned into the relative costs of operating passenger railway services(a) by the franchises, (b) by the British Railways Board. [1273]
§ Mr. WattsNo studies have been commissioned. The franchising director has statutory responsibility for awarding franchises. In doing so he must satisfy a number of statutory duties and objectives, including the requirements to ensure good value for money in the provision of franchised services and to encourage competition in the railway industry.