HC Deb 03 June 1997 vol 295 cc166-7W
48. Mr. Skinner

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy to refuse the applications by Stagecoach and others for extended franchises. [494]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The Franchising Director has no powers under the Railways Act 1993 to extend franchises unless provision was made for this in the original franchise agreement or he is directed by the Secretary of State. There is no such provision in the South West Trains franchise agreement, and there are no plans to direct the Franchising Director to extend this or any other franchise.