§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has had from train operating companies concerning the renegotiation of their franchise. [59501]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonConnex South Central has made formal representations for an extension of its franchise to the Franchising Director, which he refused on value for money grounds. Great North Eastern Railways has approached both the Franchising Director and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for a franchise extension and this is still being evaluated. In several other cases, additional passenger benefits have been negotiated arising, for example, from breaches of existing contracts and from changes of control.
§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the Government's policy on the renegotiation of rail franchises; and if he will list the criteria by which franchise extensions will be granted or put out to open tender. [59500]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonWe are prepared to renegotiate franchises where this would provide additional benefits for passengers and represent good value for the taxpayer. Criteria will be published in due course. Following the276W objectives, Instructions and Guidance which we issued in November last year, the Franchising Director has already been able to negotiate additional passenger benefits arising, for example, from breaches of existing contracts and from changes of control.