§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport who will be responsible for(a) setting targets and (b) paying compensation for non-fulfilment, in terms of the passengers charter, in the event of rail privatisation.
§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 1 December 1993]: Each rail franchise agreement will set out the operating standards which franchisees will have to deliver and the incentives and penalties which will apply if performance exceeds or falls short of those standards. The setting of standards and the related incentive and penalty arrangements will be the responsibility of the franchising director acting within guidelines laid down by my right hon. Friend.