Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects new rail rolling stock for the South East to be purchased; and on which lines it is expected to run. [23327]

Mrs Villiers MP; Minister of State for Transport: An announcement regarding Thameslink and rolling stock in the South East will be made in due course.

The South East will also benefit from the additional capacity provided by the Crossrail project, which was confirmed by the Government on the 20 October. On completion, this will deliver new trains on routes across London into Essex, Kent and Berkshire.