To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 9 June 2009, Official Report, columns 32-34WS, on the South Central Franchise, what the cost to the public purse was of re-letting the franchise. (279706)

The total costs of re-letting the South Central franchise are not yet finalised given that the agreement was only signed on 8 June and some additional costs are likely to be incurred during the mobilisation phase of the project.

However, the external costs invoiced and paid by the Department for Transport to 11 June 2009 are £761,298.

The new franchise will provide a premium to Government of £534 million over five years and 10 months.