Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with Arriva Rail North Ltd on overcrowding on that company's services operating under the Northern franchise; if he will take steps to bring forward (a) the introduction of new rolling stock on that franchise and (b) increased journeys on those services; and if he will make a statement.

The delivery of the 281 new carriages for Northern are already on tight delivery timescales with no ability to bring their introduction forward. As part of the bidding process all bidders were encouraged to bring forward their delivery of additional rolling stock as early as possible.

Any increase in journeys or train services is limited by the availability of rolling stock and there is currently an industry wide shortage of spare diesel units.