HC Deb 15 April 2002 vol 383 cc740-1W
Mrs. May

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many franchise agreements with train operating companies include provisions for the Government to underwrite any part of the franchise in the event of the regulatory system changing. [46968]

Mr. Byers

All franchise agreements remove the regulatory risk or opportunity arising from a change to track and station access charges, following a regulatory review, so that the franchise operator makes no windfall profit or loss as a result of the change.

Mrs. May

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has for increasing the percentage of the rail network that is electrified. [49709]

Mr. Byers

Rail electrification schemes will be considered where clear practical advantages and/or environmental benefits exist, and value for money can be demonstrated.

Mr. Lyons

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will estimate the cost of repairs necessary on(a) the East Coast and (b) the West Coast main lines to Scotland. [48835]

Mr. Jamieson

This is an operational matter for Railtrack.