BREAKFASTS will be worse on trains to London if Virgin runs the East Coast line, a Transport Minister says.

Speaking in a debate, Lord Bassam of Brighton appeared to throw his weight behind criticism of the meals provided by Virgin trains on the West Coast line.

Describing meal quality on trains as important, he praised the "Great British Breakfast" laid on by GNER, which has now surrendered the East Coast franchise.

He told fellow peers: "I was drawn to conclude that GNER provides a better breakfast than Virgin."

The comments followed a complaint by Lord Snape, a former railway signalman and goods guard, that Virgin passengers "envy the catering provided by GNER".

Lord Bassam's views may be significant because a joint venture between Virgin and Stagecoach is on the four-strong shortlist to became the East Coast line operator.

Furthermore, as the Minister told peers: "Catering is important. Franchise bidders will be required to provide a high-quality service at stations and on trains."

GNER won a ten-year franchise in March 2005, but is unable to meet its terms, which involve paying hundreds of millions of pounds to the Government.

It has hit financial woes since the London bombings in 2005, as passenger numbers dipped, power prices rose and Network Rail's compensation payments fell.

After surrendering the franchise, it operates the line on an agreed 18-month management contract.

This week, it was announced that three other bids -by Arriva Trains, First Rail and National Express Group - have made the Department for Transport shortlist.

The franchise will run for a maximum of seven years and five months, with the final 17 months depending on the operator hitting performance targets.

GNER said it was in discussions with the shortlisted groups and hoped to continue to be involved in operating the line through a partnership.