Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Simon Burns and Iain McKenzie

Thursday 12th September 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Iain McKenzie (Inverclyde) (Lab)]

6. What his policy is on the privatisation of InterCity East Coast rail services; and if he will make a statement.

[The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Mr Simon Burns)]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced the Government’s programme for rail franchising in March. This included the intention to return the InterCity East Coast franchise to the private sector by February 2015, and this remains our policy.

[Mr McKenzie]

Why does the Minister continue to claim that the only way to get investment in the east coast main line is through privatisation, when he is well aware of the planned upgrade and the new generation of inter-city trains, both paid for by the taxpayer?

[Mr Burns]

Because, as I would hope the hon. Gentleman appreciates, the purpose of Directly Operated Railways is not to run a railway ad infinitum; it is a short-term measure when a problem arises with a franchise. He is absolutely right that as part of the record-breaking investment in our rail infrastructure we are investing in the east coast main line—as we are doing in the west coast main line and other lines— because that is the way forward. With the innovation and impetus of the private sector and a private sector franchisee, the maximum benefits can be ensured from state and Government investment.