§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he expects to announce(a) the completion of contract negotiations for the new (i) Chiltern, (ii) South Central and (iii) South West Trains rail franchises and (b) the preferred bidders for the East Coast Main Line and Transpennine franchises. [1026]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) will conclude negotiations and sign franchise agreements with the preferred counterparties for the new Chiltern, South Central and South West Trains rail franchises as soon as it can resolve all outstanding issues.
Announcements will be made on the East Coast Main Line and Transpennine franchises as soon as possible.