Railways: South East Flexible Ticketing Scheme

Lord Christopher Excerpts

Tuesday 2nd February 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

I do not think I agree with anything the leader of the Opposition in the other place says.

[Lord Christopher (Lab)]

My Lords, will the noble Lord confirm or deny the very strong rumours reaching me—I declare an interest in that I travel on Southern trains—that there are plans to transfer Southern to Transport for London? Can he also confirm that, if that is true, it would be quite legal for Transport for London to exceed the boundaries of London?

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

I will write specifically on that issue to the noble Lord. I believe that the noble Lord was referring to the awards of franchises; it is true that we are working very closely to ensure that there is an open competition. However, I will write to him on his specific question.