§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list for each of the rail franchises let, the number of mark 1 rolling stock projected to be in operation for the years 1997 to 2003. [38524]
§ Mr. WattsNo. It is not possible to project with accuracy what vehicles will be in service over the period 1997 to 2003. The number and type of vehicles that franchise operators use for services will depend on, among other things, changes in passenger demand, the level of services offered in excess of the passenger service requirement, the productivity improvements that franchise operators are able to achieve, and any safety requirements of the Health and Safety Executive.
I have set out in the table details of the rolling stock at the time each franchise was offered for tender in respect of its mark 1 fleet and any subsequent obligations that the successful franchise has entered into the respect of these vehicles.
LTS RailIt is expected that the 28 units of the class 302 fleet which are of mark 1 construction will be replaced completely by modern class 317 units displaced from West Anglia Great Northern following the introduction of class 365/5 stock to WAGN in due course.
South West TrainsAt franchising the South West Trains fleet included seven class 412 units, 34 class 421 units and 77 class 423 units which are all of Mark 1 construction and represent 46 per cent. of that fleet by number of vehicles.
Network SouthCentralAt franchising the Network SouthCentral fleet included 15 class 20X units, 78 class 421 units 23 class 422 units and 39 class 423 units which are of mark 1 construction and represent 66 per cent. of that fleet by number of vehicles.
Gatwick ExpressThe existing fleet is not of Mark 1 construction, but the franchise operator is planning to replace it in 1999 with a new fleet as a condition of a longer franchise period.
Great Western, InterCity East Coast, Midland Main LineThese Train Operating Companies have no mark 1 vehicles in their existing fleets.