HC Deb 17 February 1986 vol 92 cc90-1W
Sir David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what account he takes, in setting the public service obligation grant to British Rail, of the additional costs arising to the Board from maintaining operation of passenger services during icy and snowy weather.

Mr. David Mitchell

The Board's claim for PSO grant is based on its estimate of the amount by which the costs of operating the passenger railway will exceed its receipts. These costs include any estimate of the effects of bad weather on the railway, but grant is not paid for specific services or areas of expenditure. It is for the board to decide expenditure priorities within the resources available to it.