§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the latest performance figures on the railways, with particular reference to punctuality; and if he will make a statement. [103988]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe figures published by the Strategic Rail Authority on 12 March show that overall performance between October and December 2002 was58W about one percentage point better than for the equivalent period of the previous year. The Strategic Rail Authority is taking tough decisions designed to deliver sustained improvements in performance over time.
§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport who the Strategic Rail Authority consulted on its recent decision to cut direct rail services between Liverpool and(a) Stansted Airport and (b) Portsmouth; and when this consultation took place. [104602]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Strategic Rail Authority's decision on the September 2003 timetable changes was made in partnership with Train Operating Companies and Network Rail. The Rail Passenger Committee and Passenger Transport Executive were made aware of the outline proposals before the announcement was made on 24 February.
§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance he has received from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on plans by Network Rail to close the London Paddington to Reading line on the weekend of 22 to 25 August. [103355]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe management of engineering possessions is a matter for Network Rail, overseen by the Rail Regulator. I understand that Network Rail is consulting with relevant parties, including the passenger and freight train operators, Reading council and the organisers of the Reading Festival, regarding any engineering possession of this line over that weekend.