To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps have been taken by his Department to ensure adequate emergency welfare support is available to passengers stranded on the rail network in the event of flooding. (278324)

The review into the 2007 floods conducted by Sir Michael Pitt provided a recommended action for the rail industry to develop plans to provide emergency welfare support to passengers stranded on the rail network. As a result, the Department for Transport has worked with Network Rail to review the current practice in relation to the recommendation.

This practice allows for passengers caught on the network to be given food, drink and any necessary items where conditions require. It does, however, remain the priority of Network Rail to remove passengers from trains, stations and other related areas as soon as it is safe to do so.