§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will instruct the Franchising Director to take particular account when granting the franchise for the East Coast main line, of companies which propose to increase the number of direct train services between Hull and London. [120646]
§ Mr. HillThe Instructions and Guidance the Deputy Prime Minister gave the Franchising Director in September last year set out six criteria for him to take into consideration when assessing bids for new franchises. They are: the commitment of existing franchise operators to performance, customer services, innovation, investment and efficiency; the extent to which extra or earlier investment can be obtained; the extent to which better performance can be secured; the extent to which integrated transport measures can be achieved; the extent to which passengers will be given a greater voice in the level and standard of services and; affordability and value for money to the tax payer. The Franchising Director announced on 14 March the shortlisted bidders for the East Coast Main Line franchise. I understand that he is having separate discussions about improved services to Hull.