Written question asked by Michael Jack (Conservative) on Thursday, 5 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 April 2001. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 April 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will publish the grounds on which the Strategic Rail Authority agreed to Virgin Trains' proposals for a 10 per cent. increase in rail fares.

Answer: Mr. Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the grounds on which the Strategic Rail Authority agreed to Virgin Trains' proposals for a 10 per cent. increase in rail fares. [157783] Mr. Hill: The increases announced by Virgin relate in the main to unregulated fares. Under the terms of its franchise, any increase in unregulated fares is a commercial matter for Virgin. However, in the light of recent disruption on the rail network, and the wish to attract more passengers to rail, the Government find Virgin's announcement regrettable. The Strategic Rail Authority will be meeting representatives from Virgin shortly to discuss the matter.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 157783; 366 c506W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Fares Increases Railways Voting rights Train operating companies Virgin Trains
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk