§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the implications for fair competition arising out of arrangements entered into by Railtrack and Virgin in respect of the West Coast main line. [64667]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe access agreement between Railtrack and Virgin Trains was approved by the Rail Regulator in June 1998. The regulator considered many public interest duties when approving these access rights, including the development of rail services and the protection of the interests of customers of other train operating companies using the line, both passenger and freight. The proposed Strategic Rail Authority will, when established, set the longer-term framework for competition.