§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will discuss with the Franchising Director a requirement that in the next round of railway franchises for services between(a) Holyhead and Crewe and (b) Cardiff and Crewe, companies are required to tender on the basis of at least two through-train services between Holyhead and Cardiff each day. [R] [105888]
135W
§ Mr. HillThe Franchising Director has invited proposals for improved services in Wales and the North West. In any renegotiations the Franchising Director will seek the best deal he can for passengers, in line with the Instructions and Guidance the Deputy Prime Minister gave him last year. The Franchising Director has met with Welsh Assembly officials to discuss their aspirations, and he will consult them as plans for future services provision are formulated.