Member

The noble Baroness, Lady Scott, referred to some of these things—but, as I understand it, the Secretary of State has the power to end a franchise on the basis of passenger service performance. As far as I am aware, every indicator puts Avanti at the bottom of the league. Why, therefore, can she not exercise this power more quickly in relation to Avanti? Secondly, she has the power to require Avanti, under a remedial agreement, to meet certain performance standards. Is this happening and, if it is not happening, why is it not happening? What are those improved standards and how often will they be monitored? We need clear answers on this. If Avanti and CrossCountry are allowed to stay there as poorly performing private sector companies, it will undermine what the Government are trying to do in these proposals to create a more efficient and passenger-focused railway.