My hon. Friend speaks for his constituents when he recognises that, following our introducing the passengers charter in 1992, train service performance is at an all-time high. That is good news for his constituents, and good news for all who use that railway.

Under the franchise, two thirds of the rolling stock must be replaced with new rolling stock, and the other third with more modern rolling stock. A new station is being built at West Ham, and £14 million is being invested in new security arrangements. Interestingly, there has been a 66 per cent. fall in the number of assaults on passengers since the franchise was taken over. I hope that all hon. Members will welcome that improvement.