Railways (Hansard, 27 June 2002)

§ Chris Grayling
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on railways in the south-east before the summer recess. [63760]

§ Mr. Spellar
My right hon. Friend takes an interest in all aspects of the rail system throughout the country, and will make statements to the House on rail matters as and when appropriate.

§ Mr. Don Foster
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent(a) support and (b) guidance has been given by his Department to the SRA and the rail industry regarding (i) the re-opening of rail stations and (ii) the development of new lines and stations; and if he will make a statement. [64131]

§ Mr. Jamieson
The Government's priorities for the Strategic Rail Authority are as set out in the Secretary of State's Directions and Guidance. The Strategic Rail Authority's priorities for implementation are set out in the Strategic Plan.

§ Mr. Don Foster
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what changes(a) have taken place and (b) are planned with relation to the penalty regime in the railway industry; and if he will make a statement; [64146]
(2) what (a) guidance has been given and (b) legislation is in place with regard to the penalty regime of the railways; what plans there are to change them; and if he will make a statement; [64148]
(3) what recent (a) discussions have taken place and (b) assessment there has been of the role of the penalty regime of the railways; and if he will make a statement. [64149]

§ Mr. Jamieson
During the periodic review of Railtrack's access charges by the Rail Regulator in 2000, a thorough review of the incentive regime was carried out. The payment rates were raised to broadly double their previous levels in order to improve incentives to run trains punctually. Similarly, the SRA are incorporating increases in train operator's incentive rates as new franchises are let.
The SRA is currently considering whether a more wide-ranging review of incentive regimes would be appropriate to reinforce the rail industry's drive to improve performance.