Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 May 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 May 1999. It was answered by Glenda Jackson (Labour) on Monday, 10 May 1999 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, pursuant to his Answer of 5th May, Official Report, column 396, concerning services to Fenchurch Street Station, if he will introduce legislation to improve the level and speed of compensation for customers in respect of infrastructure failures which are the responsibility of Railtrack.

Answer: Mr. Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 5 May 1999, Official Report, column 396, concerning services to Fenchurch Street Station, if he will introduce legislation to improve the level and speed of compensation for customers in respect of infrastructure failures which are the responsibility of Railtrack. [83714] Ms Glenda Jackson: Compensation to passengers for delays and cancellations, whatever their cause, is paid under the Passenger's Charter. These payments are made directly to passengers by the Train Operating Companies (TOCs) with which they travelled. All TOCs were required as part of their franchise agreements to publish a Passenger's Charter and the level of compensation offered and the events which triggered such payments were required to be as good or better than those offered by British Rail. The Franchising Director cannot unilaterally require improvements.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 331 c11W; 83714
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Compensation Railway stations Railways Passengers Railtrack Fenchurch Street Station