National Express East Coast Franchise — Statement

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 3:57 pm on 1 July 2009.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Lord Adonis Lord Adonis Secretary of State, Department for Transport, The Secretary of State for Transport 3:57, 1 July 2009

My Lords, I am anxious on behalf of the Government to see that National Express's obligations are fulfilled. That is why we do not think that it would be prudent or in the public interest to seek to transfer the business from National Express East Coast to the public sector company until a point very close to the company ceasing to be solvent. However, I am mindful of the noble Lord's point, and we will be seeking to act co-operatively with the National Express group in deciding the precise date on which the transfer would take place.