Written question asked by Jeremy Corbyn (Labour) on Monday, 14 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 March 2005. It was answered by Tony McNulty (Labour) on Thursday, 17 March 2005 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department will be assuming powers previously exercised by the Strategic Rail Authority in respect of (a) waiving penalty payments for train operators involved in industrial disputes, (b) providing compensation to train operating companies for loss of revenue arising from industrial disputes and (c) authorising pay and conditions agreements in the 12 months of a franchise.

Answer: Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department will be assuming powers previously exercised by the Strategic Rail Authority in respect of (a) waiving penalty payments for train operators involved in industrial disputes, (b) providing compensation to train operating companies for loss of revenue arising from industrial disputes and (c) authorising pay and conditions agreements in the 12 months of a franchise. [222532] Mr. McNulty: Penalty payments, train operators' revenue and approval of pay deals for train operators' staff are all aspects of franchising. Under the Railways Bill, responsibility for passenger rail franchising would pass to the Secretary of State for Transport and Scottish Ministers as appropriate. Whether and how these specific powers will be used in the future is an issue we will want to consider in due course.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c350-1W;432 c348-9W; 222532
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Compensation Fixed penalties Industrial disputes Franchises Railways Train operating companies Strategic Rail Authority
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk