To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 14 July 2009, Official Report, column 14WS, on the First Great Western franchise, how much of the £29 million funding for passenger benefits has been (a) spent and (b) allocated for expenditure; and what system will be used to monitor the performance of First Great Western in meeting its franchise agreement in the future. (288083)

Benefits have been delivered to passengers since last year, but the relevant dates by which the £29 million must be spent have not yet been reached. The Department for Transport will seek written evidence of compliance with the spending obligations.