§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on section 44.4 of the Chiltern franchise agreement, with particular reference to subsection (aa) and the reason that this clause was included in the agreement. [53503]
§ Mr. JamiesonClause 44.4(aa) was included in the Chiltern franchise agreement as a result of negotiations between the Strategic Rail Authority and M40 Trains.
§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if it is his policy to continue the provision for train operating companies to be reimbursed by the Government for additional costs resulting from an interim review and adjustment of track access charges by the Rail Regulator when all the remaining franchises are renewed; [53505]
(2) whether Chiltern will continue to be reimbursed by the Government for additional costs resulting from an interim review and adjustment of track access charges by the Rail Regulator as part of its new franchise agreement. [53504]
902W
§ Mr. JamiesonYes. If such a provision was not included bidders for rail franchises would merely price the perceived risk of increased charges into their bids.