Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Colin Burgon (Labour). It was answered on Thursday, 29 October 2009 on behalf of the Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Grand Committee.

Trans-Pennine Rail Services

Question: The Minister mentioned that Yorkshire Forward, a public sector organisation, is investing in rolling stock. I think that, nationally, the public put £8 billion into the private railway companies. If we are ever to have an integrated transport system covering rail and buses nationally—never mind in Yorkshire—does she not agree that we should take steps, starting with the east coast main line, to bring the whole transport system back under public ownership?

Answer: I am sure that my hon. Friend welcomed the east coast main line’s change of ownership. On the new contracts, it is important that we ensure that we get the best value for money and that the companies, if they bid for them, are able to deliver what we want—namely, high-quality rail services both to and within the Yorkshire and Humber region. On completely renationalising the rail service, I think that my hon. Friend may have a different view. The Government’s current difficulty involves balancing many of the demands on the public sector, and ensuring that we use our resources to help the country through the recession and that we plan for the future economy. As I am sure my hon. Friend is aware, complete renationalisation might take resources away from other projects in which we might also want to invest.

Secondary information