§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the implications for rail services of the introduction of new coach services which could be assumed to seek to divert passenger traffic from parallel rail lines. [62432]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonCoach operators may provide whatever services they wish in response to commercial demand, although where they could undermine rail services they may be subject to review by the competition authorities. The Rail Regulator and the Franchising Director would advise the Director General of Fair Trading in these circumstances, but any final decision would rest with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.