HC Deb 16 January 2001 vol 361 c194W
Mr. Gordon Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultations the shadow Strategic Rail Authority is required to undertake with regional stakeholders before awarding franchises. [143981]

Mr. Hill

The Instructions and Guidance given to the Franchising Director (who is Chief Executive of the shadow Strategic Rail Authority) by the Deputy Prime Minister require him to consult, among others, local authorities, regional government, Passenger Transport Executives, the Rail Regulator, regional planning bodies, Regional Development Agencies and Rail Passenger Committees.