§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has made to the contractors supplying railway services between Cardiff and the north Wales coast to increase the number of through trains each day in each direction; and if he will make a statement. [28595]
469W
§ Mr. HagueNone. Any increase in the number of through trains between Cardiff and the north Wales coast is currently a matter for the British Railways Board and the train operating companies concerned.
South Wales and West currently operates one through train between Cardiff and Holyhead, via Crewe. The franchising director has undertaken consultation on the draft passenger service requirements for the South Wales and West franchise. He is assessing the representations he has received and will publish the final PSR in due course. The draft PSR specifies services between Cardiff central and Crewe. Services between Crewe and Holyhead will be specified in the PSR for the North West Regional Railways franchise, which the franchising director will develop in due course. Franchise operators are free to operate services in addition to the PSR in response to demand.