To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his Department received in fines levied on Network Rail in each year since its inception; and what his policy is on re-allocating such monies. (180958)

[holding answer 22 January 2008]: The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has imposed penalties totalling £2.65 million on Network Rail in the last three years.

When a private sector body is fined the receipt does not benefit the budget of the individual body that imposed the fine, instead it returns to the Consolidated Fund and benefits public sector finances.