To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to increase route capacity in the Sussex area of the South East Route; and if he will make a statement.

Details on the outputs to be delivered in Sussex during Control Period 5 (CP5) can be found on pages 73 to 78 of Network Rail’s CP5 Enhancements Delivery Plan. Please also refer to page 43 on the Thameslink Programme outputs. The CP5 Enhancements Delivery Plan sets out the outputs, scope and milestones that Network Rail are committed to deliver in CP5 and can be found at: http://www.networkrail.co.uk/publications/delivery-plans/control-period-5/cp5-delivery-plan/

One of the key priorities in this new Parliament is to see train performance in the South-East improve. My officials and I have been working closely with the Chief Executive of Network Rail, Mark Carne, and the management teams of both Southeastern and Southern to understand the causes of the problems and the plans to solve the issue. I have also been chairing weekly meetings with senior members of Network Rail, Southeastern and Southern to ensure progress is being made.