Written question asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bassam of Brighton (Labour) on Thursday, 13 March 2008.

Railways: North Wales

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have records of levels of overcrowding on Virgin Trains services between Chester and Holyhead; and whether the levels of overcrowding would be affected by Virgin Trains sending half the train from Chester to Wrexham and the other half from Chester to Holyhead.

Answer: There is little evidence of crowding on West Coast Trains' services between Chester and Holyhead. Availability of train path and resource, as well as passenger loadings, are factors in determining whether additional services between Chester and Wrexham can be provided. From December 2008, West Coast Trains is planning to operate an additional 0705 Wrexham General to Chester and 2020 Chester to Wrexham General service, subject to obtaining track access rights. These services are to form through trains to and from London Euston.

Secondary information