§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what Exchequer funding will be made available for each of the next seven years to meet the cost of pegging rail fares; and if he will make a statement. [25613]
§ Mr. WattsThe Government remain firmly committed to the franchising process and to providing the subsidy needed to support passenger railway services, including the effects of the new policy on fares. The level of funding needed for the railways will depend on the bids received by the franchising director for franchises. The Government believe that privatisation will bring efficiency and other improvements to services. All these factors will affect the level of funding required by the railways.