To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what reports he has received about the nature and cause of delays in travelling by rail to King's Cross on 17 July; and if he will ensure that those responsible (a) announce some form of compensation to those affected and (b) offer relevant information during such journeys. [36237]

This is an operational matter for British Rail and its train operating units and Railtrack. British Rail has advised that a West Anglian Great Northern train was discovered at Holloway at around 12.30 on Monday 17 July with a damaged pantograph, which had damaged overhead power lines in the area. Services were severely disrupted until the mid-evening, with some trains being delayed for three to four hours.Trains to London were stopped at Finsbury park and passengers were advised to take the underground to make connections.