§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what meetings have been held by(a) Ministers and (b) officials of his Department with Virgin Railways to discuss their performance levels; and if he will make a statement. [55511]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Franchising Director is responsible for overseeing train operators' performance levels. Following unacceptable performance levels, the Franchising Director has required all train operators to produce action plans setting out how they will deliver improved performance. He has also agreed improved Passenger's Charter compensation arrangements with Virgin Rail as part of the package of passenger benefits secured in exchange for his agreement to the acquisition by Stagecoach Holdings of 49 per cent. of the Virgin Rail Group.