HC Deb 12 May 2004 vol 421 cc406-7W
Mr. Clapham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what costs have been incurred by the Strategic Rail Authority in respect of the tendering process for the Integrated Kent Franchise; and what the anticipated final costs are. [171224]

Mr. McNulty

Expenditure by the SRA of approximately £1.8 million has been incurred to date on the tendering of the IKF and the total cost is expected to be £3.85 million.

Mr. Clapham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether a public sector comparator will be undertaken to establish whether South Eastern train passenger services could be provided more economically and efficiently than under a franchise agreement if the service were to be run through South Eastern Trains. [171225]

Mr. McNulty

Under the provisions of the Railways Act 1993, as amended by the Transport Act 2000, the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is able to act as operator of last resort for any railway franchise but only on a temporary basis. Section 30 of the Act gives the SRA powers tosecure the provision of services until such a time as they begin to be provided under a franchise agreement". The Act reflects the Government's policy that passenger train services should be operated by private companies. It does not provide powers to the SRA to take such services back into the public sector on a permanent basis.

Mr. Clapham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether(a) Ministers and (b) officials from his Department have met representatives of the (i) Stagecoach Group and (ii) other private train operators and consortiums in relation to the proposed Integrated Kent Franchise. [171226]

Mr. McNulty

No. The franchising process is a matter for the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) which holds regular discussions with both existing and prospective franchise operators as part of discharging its duties.

Mr. Clapham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has received a report from the Strategic Rail Authority on the discussions that have taken place between the Chair of the Authority and the Stagecoach Group in relation to the Integrated Kent Franchise. [171227]

Mr. McNulty

No. Any such discussions are a matter for the Strategic Rail Authority.