Rail Franchising

Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Penny Mordaunt

Tuesday 26th March 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr McLoughlin]

It certainly should not affect the delivery of the new trains. I know of no reason why it should and if I am wrong, I will obviously write to my hon. Friend.

[Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con)]

Portsmouth’s experience of franchises awarded under the last Government was that the rolling stock was downgraded from the agreement. When will passenger comfort and service standards be written into the agreements, to ensure that passengers have access to a toilet and that commuters are not crippled by suburban rolling stock being used on main line routes?

[Mr McLoughlin]

I am very disturbed to hear what my hon. Friend says, and I will certainly look into her points and get back to her in more detail in the very near future.