HC Deb 15 June 1999 vol 333 c77W
20. Jackie Ballard

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to safeguard rural train services. [85798]

Mrs. Liddell

Train operators are required to provide the minimum service level set out in the Passenger Service Requirement. Where services are heavily dependent on subsidy, for example in rural areas, PSRs reflect closely the level of services operated by British Rail at the time of franchising.