(2) what funding has been allocated to his Department to meet liabilities or potential liabilities under revenue support clauses in train operator franchises in (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10;
(3) how much has been allocated from the rail budget for Control Period Four to cover revenue support clauses in train operator franchises.
The amount of any revenue support payable to eligible franchise holders is dependant on the performance of individual franchises and is set out in the relevant franchise contracts with the Department for Transport.
The Department’s internal forecasts for and amounts payable or receivable under these revenue sharing arrangements are commercially confidential.
The Department for Transport has regular discussions with Treasury Ministers and officials on a range of issues concerning railway finances. Revenue support and sharing arrangements is one of these issues.
The Government expect all operators to adhere to the terms of the contracts that they have entered into with the Department for Transport. As such, no specific funds have been allocated for the settlement of any disputes.
The Department for Transport does not hold information on the number of cases handled by the Rail Industry Dispute Resolution Committee. The hon. Member should write to the Committee itself at the following address:
John Gott
Railway Industry Dispute Resolution Committee
Central House
14 Upper Woburn Place
London
WC1H 0HY