§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising has concerning proposals made by train operating companies to(a) reduce staffing levels and (b) change staff pay and conditions. [73107]
§ Dr. ReidThe Franchising Director does not have any power to prevent train operating companies from reducing their staffing levels. He has rights of approval over changes to pension arrangements and changes to pay and conditions which would leave undesirable legacies for the next franchisee.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising made of the likely impact on staffing levels of the successful bids for rail franchises; and if he will place a copy of each such assessment in the Library. [73152]
§ Dr. ReidBids for franchises were assessed on value for money for the provision of passenger rail services. The contents of the bids remain confidential and therefore copies of the assessments cannot be placed in the Library.