§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to ensure that Wales is placed within a single franchise area when railway franchises are next allocated. [107017]
§ Mr. HillAs part of his preparations for franchise replacement, the Franchising Director has invited proposals for improved services in Wales and the North West. These need not necessarily be based on the existing franchise map. In any re-negotiations 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 consulted interested parties, including the Welsh Assembly, and will continue to do during the renegotiation process.