§ Lord Hardy of Wathasked. Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ensure that rail freight will be taken into consideration when assessment is made of passenger franchise proposals. [HL1825]
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord Macdonald of Tradeston)In the process of franchise replacement, the assessment of proposals to improve passenger services will take into account any effects on rail freight. The franchise replacement consultation process will include the views of both freight operators and passengers.