Transport and the Environment Committee, 15 Mar 2000
Meeting date: Wednesday, March 15, 2000
Official Report
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Invitations
We have received a letter from Mr Andy Naylor of Great North Eastern Railway, offering to provide the committee with a presentation on the details of its franchise extension bid.
This is both an important and sensitive issue, given that the east coast franchise bidding process is currently under way. Based on that, I would suggest that it would be inappropriate to receive a presentation from just one of the bidders involved in the process. It might therefore be useful to consider a wider briefing requirement on the process itself.
Once we know what is happening with those who are bidding for the work, we can perhaps revisit the matter. If we were to accept any presentations, they would be from all parties that have developed a bid.
I would like to consider taking a proactive role in what is happening with the east coast main line. That might be dealt with under our future work programme, and we should seek public discussion. If we do not facilitate that, who else will? We should ask GNER, Virgin Trains, SNCF, if it is still considering proposals, and the shadow strategic rail authority to give presentations to us.
We have a limited amount of time, but if we restricted each presentation to 10 or 15 minutes, plus questions, we would have an opportunity to assess what those organisations are about. Otherwise, there is a danger that the franchise for the east coast main line, which could have implications for 25 years in the east of Scotland, will not be discussed by anyone, but will be dealt with by bureaucrats at the shadow strategic rail authority. I would like the committee to adopt a hands-on approach, invite them all in and ask them what they are about. However, we must include the SSRA, as it is the main player.
I am sympathetic to that view, and I am advised that we will be able to receive a briefing on the issue from the Scottish Parliament information centre fairly quickly. We can then proceed. Is the committee happy with that?
Members indicated agreement.
The shadow strategic rail authority will be included in our invitations to give evidence.
The committee has previously agreed to take the final two agenda items—the draft committee report on telecommunications developments and our future work programme—in private. I thank everyone for their attendance at the committee today.
Meeting continued in private until 12:04.