§ 23. Mr. TouhigTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from(a) Welsh businesses and (b) others on the impact of the recent punctuality record of Great Western trains between London and South Wales; and if he will make a statement. [41436]
§ Mr. HainMy right hon. Friend and I have received a total of four representations, including one from a business in Wales. Over recent months we have become increasingly concerned about the marked deterioration in 415W the standard of Great Western services between London and South Wales. On 29 April I met senior representatives of both Great Western Trains and Railtrack to make clear my concern, particularly in view of the likely impact of late and unreliable trains on Wales and the Welsh economy. Both companies have undertaken to provide me with details of the steps which they will be taking to restore performance to an acceptable standard.