To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out his objectives for the new Greater Anglia rail franchise; and what steps he plans to take to achieve a fully integrated rail service in East Anglia; and east and north-east London. [109892]
The Strategic Rail Authority's goals for the new franchise are to provide a reliable, high-quality service, consistent with the overall needs of London and eastern England. The new franchise will provide an integrated service into London Liverpool Street by combining the services currently provided by Anglia Railways and First Great Eastern, and the West Anglian services of West Anglia Great Northern railways. A separate management focus for local East Anglia services will also be provided.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will be replying substantively to the letter of 25 November 2002 from the right hon. Member for Tonbridge and Malling with regard to the Government's response to the report on personal safety on the railways produced by Soroptimist International of East England. [110200]
A substantive reply was sent on 24 April.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the Railways (Safety Care) (Amendment) Regulations. [109957]
The Secretary of State has not received any representations about the Railways (Safety Case) (Amendment) Regulations 2003.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 8 April 2003, Official Report, column 154W, when he met Central Railway; which representatives of Central Railway were present; what subjects were discussed; and what the conclusions of the meeting were. [110064]
Ministers have met Central Railway on a number of occasions to discuss the progress, and key aspects of their proposals. We are continuing to consider these.