§ Ms ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what occasions he has held discussions with the franchising director about the timing of the franchising programmes; and if he will make a statement. [24765]
§ Mr. WattsMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State meets regularly with the franchising director to discuss franchising issues including the timing of the franchising programme. He last met the franchising director on 26 March.
The franchising programme is gaining momentum. Five franchises have been awarded: South West Trains, Great Western, InterCity East Coast, Gatwick Express and Network SouthCentral. The franchising director is in the final stages of negotiating franchise awards for Midland Main Line. LTS Rail has been re-tendered and the franchising director will award the franchise as soon as practicable. Initial bids were received for Chiltern and South Eastern on 22 March. Initial bids were invited for South Wales and West and Cardiff on 27 March and are to be received by 6 June. The franchising director will issue invitations to tender for Anglia and Thames as soon as practicable. Further franchises are being developed and progress will be announced by the franchising director in due course.
§ Ms ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he plans to take a decision on the proportion of Railtrack to be sold in the forthcoming flotation; and if he will make a statement. [25436]
§ Mr. WattsWe intend a sale of substantially all of the Government's shares in Railtrack, subject to reserving shares to satisfy share bonus entitlements.