§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 19 December 2001,Official Report, columns 526-27W, on rail passenger projections, from whom the research was commissioned on (a) future rail passenger demand on Eurostar and (b) to develop a model of rail passenger demand; for what reasons his Department did not require a research report to be published; by what means of communication his Department was informed of the research findings; and if he will provide a summary of the main findings from the research. [32547]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe research on future rail passenger demand on Eurostar was commissioned from Booz Allen and Hamilton. The Department did not require a research report to be published because of the commercially sensitive nature of the subject. The Department was informed of the research findings by spreadsheet reports and a seven page report. The main findings of the research were that growth in Eurostar passenger and revenues was expected to continue albeit to a lower level than forecast in 1998.
The research to develop a model of rail passenger demand is on going. The findings of the research are expected to be published following the conclusion of the study. I refer the hon. Member to the answers given by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs. May) on 17 January 2002, Official Report, column: 426W and 21 January 2002 Official Report, columns 569-70W.