§ Ms ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many personnel are currently employed by the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising; and how many he expects 271W to be employed in the financial year 1996–97 and 1997–98. [13932]
§ Mr. WattsThe number of staff in post at the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising as at 1 January 1996 was 88. The estimated number of staff required in 1996–97 is 121; in 1997–98 the estimated number is 136. The number of staff will rise to manage the franchises that have been let and to deal with the emerging franchises as the momentum continues to build. The figures include staff directly employed and those on loan or secondment from other parts of the civil service, the railway industry and the private sector.