West Coast Main Line

Debate between Ian Davidson and Lord McLoughlin

Monday 15th October 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr McLoughlin]

I am not sure whether the second part of my hon. Friend’s question was a bid, but on the first part I can assure her that the reviews will inform us and that we will take note of them. I would not have set them up if we were not going to do so.

[Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow South West) (Lab/Co-op)]

I came here today on the west coast main line; the train was late. May I ask the Secretary of State—[Interruption.] May I be the first to ask him to resign?

Let me say what I would like the Secretary of State to do. We will have the short period negotiation, the interim agreement and the long-term franchise. To ensure value for money, will he guarantee a public sector comparator for each of them?

[Mr McLoughlin]

I heard one colleague shout out, “Not late enough.” Obviously, we have set up the two reviews and we will look at what they produce. When we have put such things out to franchise, we have seen huge competition and interest, and it is a matter of getting the best deal for the taxpayer in the longer term.