HL Deb 23 April 2001 vol 625 c19WA
Lord Greaves

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect to make a decision on the new franchise for operating passenger train services on the East Coast Main Line. [HL1734]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

Revised proposals from both Virgin/Stagecoach and GNER were received by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) on 17 April. Once the SRA has considered these, it will decide whether to proceed with a request to the Secretary of State for a direction to authorise early replacement of the Inter City East Coast franchise. Any such request will be given appropriate and timely consideration.