§ Mr. HurstTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much public subsidy was awarded to private railway undertakings in each of the years 1996 to 2000. [143902]
§ Mr. HillTrain operating companies (TOCs) receive support for passenger rail services (SPRS) from the Franchising Director and income from Passenger Transport Executives (PTEs). Also, freight operating companies (FOCs) receive freight grant payments from my Department.
The table provides, for each financial year 1996–97 to 1999–2000, details of SPRS and PTE payments to the TOCs, and freight grant payments to the FOCs.
£ million cash prices SPRS payments PTE payments Freight grant payments 1996–97 1,809 291 12 1997–98 1,429 375 21 1998–99 1,196 337 19 1999–2000 1,031 312 17 Since Railtrack was privatised in 1996–97, no public money has been paid direct to the company, but its profitability is contingent on public money. Some 90 per cent. of Railtrack's income is paid to the company by TOCs and FOCs in access charges, a substantial proportion of which are supported by public money.