§ Lord Roberts of Conwyasked Her Majesty's Government:
- What is the current annual total of taxpayer subsidy involved in train leasing arrangements; and [HL1239]
- How current taxpayer subsidy is divided between recipient train operators individually. [HL1240]
§ Lord Davies of OldhamFranchise agreements specify franchise payments (whether subsidy or premium) in aggregate annual amounts as established in competition for the franchise. These payments meet the full service requirements specified in the franchise 193WA agreement, including train lease costs. The payments for each of the train operating companies are listed on page 141 of the Strategic Rail Authority's 2002–03 annual report which has been placed in the Library of the House.
§ Lord Roberts of Conwyasked Her Majesty's Government:
- What is the estimated cost of (a) the Pacer, and (b) the Pendolino trains, and the annual leasing cost; and [HL1241
- Whether changes to primary legislation would be required to abolish the train leasing system. [HL1242]
§ Lord Davies of OldhamThe procurement of rolling stock is a matter of private contract between train operating companies and rolling stock leasing companies. It would require primary legislation to abolish the train leasing system.