To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport when he expects to make a decision on the future of the City Service from Ashford International via Maidstone East station. (302149)

[holding answer 30 November 2009]: The December 2009 timetable seeks to make best use of the rail network in Kent and delivers wider benefits to communities across the network, primarily through the introduction of high speed services and the consequent freeing up of capacity to West Kent. There are no plans to reinstate the city services from Ashford International via Maidstone East.