HC Deb 02 November 2001 vol 373 cc907-8W
Mr. Grogan

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the new TransPennine franchise will include investment in new trains. [11553]

Mr. Jamieson

The three short-listed counterparties have been invited to re-submit their proposals for the TransPennine Express franchise. The Strategic Rail Authority anticipates and will encourage investment in new rolling stock as part of these proposals.