Rolling Stock (Hansard, 22 July 2004)

§ Norman Baker
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps he is taking to facilitate the design and production of less energy-intensive railway rolling stock; [182379]
(2) what steps he is taking to lessen the power consumption of railway rolling stock. [182380]

§ Mr. McNulty
These are matters for the industry. Increased train weight arising from safety and other design features and the wider use of air conditioning and power operated doors have tended to increase the power needs of modern trains. But current and future developments should offset that. For example, future technology in body construction is expected to lead to lighter trains which draw less power and regenerative braking, which produces new power during the braking process, is already being introduced where practicable.

§ Andrew Mackinlay
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what powers(a) he and (b) other bodies have to require franchisees to maintain an adequate supply of rolling stock of acceptable quality. [185269]

§ Mr. McNulty
Rolling stock issues are among those considered when the terms of individual franchises are being drawn up. Where a need for rolling stock refurbishment or replacement is identified, the detailed requirements will be set out in the franchise agreement. 673W Franchises are currently awarded by the Strategic Rail Authority, though it is proposed that this responsibility will in due course pass to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State as described in his statement to the House of 15 July.

§ Mr. Amess
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on progress with withdrawing Mark 1 slam door rolling stock from the train network. [185419]

§ Mr. McNulty
By early July 2004, 522 Mark I vehicles had been withdrawn. The remaining 1,200 or so will follow progressively over the coming months. The final date for the elimination of Mark 1s from passenger service is the subject of a consultation being conducted by Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate who have indicated that they are minded to approve a proposal that the deadline should be November 2005. 908 new vehicles have been introduced into service.