§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to encourage the reinstatement of discontinued sleeper services between the North of England and London. [125549]
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§ Mr. HillThese services were withdrawn some years ago by the British Railways Board as they were no longer financially viable. Since then journey times and opportunities on North of England services have been substantially improved both early in the morning and late into the evening. The Franchising Director has no plans to include North of England sleeper services in Passenger Service Requirements at present, since there is little perceived demand. These services could be provided by train operators in the future if there is an adequate commercial basis for their provision. Financial support could be sought through the making of an appropriate Rail Passenger Partnership bid.