CUTS IN RAIL SERVICES

Early day motion 535, tabled 16 January 2003 by Simon Thomas (Plaid Cymru). Signed by 8 members.

That this House notes with concern the decision of the Strategic Rail Authority to withdraw over 100 services; further notes that the claimed congestion has been blamed, at least in part, on the growth of Virgin Cross Country services; believes that Mr Richard Bowker, Chairman of the SRA, was Chief Executive of Virgin during the planning stages of these services; condemns the instruction of the SRA to the franchise bidders for Wales and the West to prevent plans for a 10 per cent. or 20 per cent. cut in costs, which can only mean a cut in services; and believes that the Government is in retreat over its promises on an expansion of rail services.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Conservative 1.