To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he plans to announce the (a) timings and (b) business case for the additional 182 vehicles for Northern Rail. (240923)

The updates to the Department of Transport's Rolling Stock Plan published in July 2008 stated that the indicative rolling stock numbers will only be substituted by different numbers when the Department contracts with the relevant train operator. In the case of Northern Rail this is expected to be in 2010.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in discussions on the preparation and delivery of additional rolling stock vehicles to Northern Rail. (241075)

Discussions with Northern Rail are at an early stage. Our current view is that they should conclude during 2010, although this is clearly subject to the progress of the commercial negotiations between the parties.