§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what amount is currently paid to the train operating companies in subsidy by the Government; and what controls are exerted by the Government on how this money is spent by the train operating companies. [50668]
§ Dr. StrangSupport for Passengers Rail Services (SPRS) paid to and premium payments received from train operating companies by the Franchising Director are set out in the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising's Annual Report 1997–98, a copy of which is in the House Library. Where applicable, payments to train operating companies by Passenger Transport Executives are also shown, with further information on PTE support shown in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' Annual Report 1998, a copy of which is also in the House Library. The franchise agreements specify the services and standards the train operating companies are contractually required to provide in return for support payments.