Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to improve the efficiency of the rail network; and if he will make a statement.

Claire Perry, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport: We are securing franchises that are designed to deliver an improving quality of service for the passenger and are good value for the taxpayer. As rail demand continues to grow we are investing record amounts in expanding the railway whilst the Office of Rail Regulation has set Network Rail a challenging target for increasing efficiency during the five year investment period.

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