Rail Franchising Debate

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Department: Department for Transport
Tuesday 26th March 2013

(11 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
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I think I would need a bit more notice before answering that question. If my hon. Friend writes to me, I will look at the issues in more detail. [Interruption.] The Under-Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Lewes (Norman Baker), says, “Just get on with it.”

Henry Smith Portrait Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)
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I very much welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement. Thameslink and Southern Railway recently announced new rolling stock to operate from the four stations within my constituency. Can he assure me that the changes to rail franchising announced today will not affect the delivery of that rolling stock?

Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
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It certainly should not affect the delivery of the new trains. I know of no reason why it should and if I am wrong, I will obviously write to my hon. Friend.