To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what extra costs were incurred by Network Rail as a result of the measures taken to facilitate the introduction of tilting trains on the west coast main line; and what contribution towards these costs was received from Virgin. (188484)

Some 20 per cent. of the total cost of £8.125 billion, to renew and upgrade the west coast main line, has been incurred to upgrade the line for greater capacity and higher speed operation. Virgin Trains, along with other passenger and freight train operators meet this total expenditure through the access charges they pay to Network Rail.