§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what reports he has received on breaches of the service agreement on the Barking to Gospel Oak branch of the North London line; and if he will make a statement. [15996]
§ Mr. Watts[holding answer 14 February 1997]: None. Services between Gospel Oak and Barking are provided by North London Railways Ltd. The Franchising Director announced on 7 February 1997 that he had awarded the NLR franchise to National Express Group plc but it has not yet started. Franchised services are expected to start soon, following which any breach of the franchise agreement would be a matter for the Franchising Director.