To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the Government's timetable is for franchising British Rail's Regional Railways' north-east passenger services. [40240]

The Franchising Director issued an information memorandum for the Regional Railways North East franchise on 23 September on which pre-qualifiers for the franchise can base their indicative, non-binding bids. The deadline to lodge indicative bids is 24 October. Formal invitations to tender will be issued later on in the franchising process. The Franchising Director expects to award the franchise in spring 1997.Bidders have been asked in their indications of interest to consider the options for older rolling stock which is nearing life expiry, and are invited to bring forward self-financing proposals for upgrading the trans-Pennine express services.