§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he or his Ministers held with(a) OPRAF and (b) Connex South Central before the decision was taken not to extend the latter's franchise. [61654]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonNone. However, as required by his Objectives, Instructions and Guidance, the Franchising Director notified the Deputy Prime Minister prior to announcing his decision not to extend Connex South Central's franchise.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the application by Connex South Central to extend its franchise was refused; if he is prepared to consider an amended offer from the company; and if he will make a statement. [61653]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Franchising Director announced in July that he considered that he could obtain better value for money by competitively retendering the franchise on its expiry after seven years. The company cannot make a further offer under the option that was in50W their original contract. However, we have said that we are prepared in principle to consider proposals to renegotiate franchises to secure additional passenger benefits and commitments to more demanding performance targets.