§ Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his policy with regard to Connex South Central exercising their option to extend their franchise from seven years to 15. [43278]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe franchising agreement for Connex South Central provides for the Company and the Franchising Director to agree an extension of the term up to a maximum of fifteen years. I understand that the Company has presented a proposal to the Franchising Director and that he is presently evaluating it. He is under no obligation to accept the proposal on any particular terms or at all.