§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the Strategic Rail Authority will announce(a) the rail franchises for the north-west region of England and (b) its decision on whether Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive will let the Merseyside rail franchise alone or jointly with the Strategic Rail Authority. [10812]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Strategic Rail Authority has reviewed its franchise replacement programme in light of the statement made by the Secretary of State on 16 July and will announce its plans for further replacement or extension of franchises when these are agreed with Ministers in due course.