To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultation with passengers took place before the change to the timetable was made by Northern Rail to reduce services between Adlington and (a) Manchester and (b) Preston. (248369)

Northern’s proposed timetable for December 2008 was discussed with stakeholders at a meeting in April 2008 which included representatives from Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, Lancashire county council, Rail User Groups from the North West and the independent national rail consumer watchdog, Passenger Focus.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effect of the recent changes to the timetable for rail services from Adlington to (a) Manchester and (b) Preston on commuters using the services. (248466)

The Department for Transport meets Northern Rail on a four weekly basis to review delivery of rail services and its ability to meet passenger requirements, particularly noting timetable changes.