London and the South-East

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 3:42 pm on 12 March 2002.

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Photo of Eric Pickles Eric Pickles Shadow Minister (Transport) 3:42, 12 March 2002

The hon. Lady probably thought that that was a good thing to say at the time. Let me explain, however, that trains currently have eight carriages and we want the number to be increased to 12. That cannot happen, because the Government will not grant the franchise. It is a practical problem. There is a difference between a mere debating chamber and a Chamber that is trying to deal with practical problems.