To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport whether the bringing into service of new Thameslink rolling stock is dependent on the provision of additional train maintenance depots. (325801)

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport whether the introduction of new Thameslink rolling stock is dependent upon the establishment of new train maintenance depots. (325832)

I can confirm that the bringing into service of new Thameslink rolling stock is dependent on the provision of additional train maintenance depots.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport (1) when he expects to announce his decision on the location of additional train maintenance depots for new Thameslink trains; [R] (325802)

The Department for Transport is planning to establish new depots to support the new fleet of Thameslink trains at Hornsey in the London borough of Haringey and at Three Bridges in the borough of Crawley.

Network Rail has commenced the process for securing planning consents for these depots with the relevant local authorities. It would be inappropriate to comment on the outcome of these discussions at this stage.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport (1) which locations are being considered for the construction of additional train maintenance depots to service new Thameslink trains; [R] (325803)

Department for Transport officials have had a number of discussions with Network Rail, train operating companies and local authorities regarding the additional train maintenance depots for the new Thameslink rolling stock. We are proposing a new depot in Hornsey in the London borough of Haringey and at Three Bridges in the borough of Crawley.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what assessment he has made of the merits of building new train maintenance depots for Thameslink stations at different locations. (325833)

Department for Transport officials have worked closely with Network Rail and the train operating companies to assess the options for locating new train maintenance depots for the new Thameslink rolling stock. We are proposing a new depot in Hornsey in the London borough of Haringey and at Three Bridges in the borough of Crawley.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what discussions his Department has had with (a) Network Rail, (b) train operating companies and (c) local authorities on new train maintenance depots for the new Thameslink rolling stock. (325834)

Department for Transport officials have had a number of discussions with Network Rail, train operating companies and local authorities regarding the new train maintenance depots for the new Thameslink rolling stock. We are proposing a new depot in Hornsey in the London borough of Haringey and at Three Bridges in the borough of Crawley.