HC Deb 22 July 2004 vol 424 c656W
Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the Department's future plans are for the East Coast Main Line. [185417]

Dr. Howells

The current East Coast Main Line franchise is due to expire in April 2005. SRA announced on 7 May that four companies had pre-qualified to bid for the franchise. The franchise replacement process is continuing.