To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce a decision on the procurement of extra carriages for the Pendolino trains operating on the West Coast Main Line; and if he will make a statement. (129039)

Negotiations continue to take place with Virgin Trains and their partners over the provision of additional cars for the Pendolino trains. I cannot give any specific time scales at this stage.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to assist in the procurement of extra carriages for the Pendolino trains operating on the West Coast Main Line; and if he will make a statement. (129040)

Officials from the Department for Transport are actively working with Virgin Trains and their partners over the commercial and operational issues relating to the provision of additional accommodation on the Pendolino trains.