asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many of the 182 vehicles promised to the Northern Rail franchise in the high-level output statement are new build; and when it is proposed to place the order for these. [HL5350]

In its update to the high-level output specification (HLOS) delivery plan, published in July, and available on the Department for Transport website at www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/rollingstock/hlosupdatejuly08, the Department for Transport stated that provision of extra rolling stock for Northern Rail was planned to take place in Phase 3 of this plan.

Discussions with Northern Rail continue on the details of implementation, including the proportion of new-build stock, and stock transferred from other operators.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will support the application from South West Trains to place orders for additional trains to alleviate overcrowding. [HL5351]

The Department for Transport is currently in discussion with South West Trains over the delivery of the Government’s high-level output specification capacity targets, which includes additional vehicles.