To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport if he will take steps to ensure that Network Rail maintains staffing levels adequate to maintain the railway system. (314083)

Staffing is an operational matter for Network Rail. Network Rail is required to deliver substantial efficiency savings for the operation, maintenance and renewal of the network over the next five years, set by the independent Office of Rail Regulation.

The independent Office of Rail Regulation has ultimate responsibility for assessing that Network Rail's activities do not put at risk the safety of passengers and the work force.