§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with(a) Railtrack and (b) Virgin Trains about improvements to services on the West Coast Main Line. [32864]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI met with Railtrack on 27 January to discuss their plans to upgrade the West Coast Main Line. Railtrack have agreed to provide regular updates on their progress with the modernisation programme.
I met with Richard Branson on 10 July 1997 to discuss general rail and aviation issues. However, the Franchising Director is responsible for monitoring the performance of Virgin Trains. He has regular meetings with Virgin Trains and has impressed on them the importance that the Government place on improving services on the West Coast Main Line.