Written question asked by Lord Glenarthur (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Attlee (Conservative) on Monday, 5 July 2010.

Railways: Public Subsidy

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proportion of the public subsidy paid to the First Group is allocated to overnight rail sleeper services operated by First Great Western and First ScotRail.

Answer: First Great Western's franchise agreement commits it to operate the franchise services, including the sleeper service, in return for a premium. The First Great Western franchisee currently receives, in accordance with the terms of the franchise agreement, financial support reflecting a shortfall in anticipated passenger revenues. This is not split up between provision of different individual services but covers the operation of the franchise as a whole. The First ScotRail franchise was let and is managed by the Scottish Executive.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 636; 720 c26WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Railways: Caledonian Sleeper
Monday, 9 May 2011
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Railways Subsidies Great Western Railway ScotRail
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk