§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he has to intervene to secure investment in replacement rolling stock on the services currently provided by Connex South Central. [57777]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 3 November 1998]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no powers to intervene directly, although the Health and Safety Executive has powers to require modifications as to or replacement of rolling stock if it considers that this is necessary for safety reasons. HSE does not consider Connex South Central's slam door stock to be unsafe; but it has proposed that Mark 1 slam door stock such as that operated by Connex South Central must be replaced or modified by 2003.
575WConnex South Central recently submitted a proposal to extend its franchise. The Franchising Director concluded that he could obtain increased passenger benefits at greater value for money by allowing the franchise to expire after seven years and retendering it as normal. He is exploring with the company whether there are other ways of achieving earlier replacement of rolling stock.