Railways: East Coast Main Line

Lord Popat Excerpts

Tuesday 13th March 2018 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Sugg]

My Lords, the timetable is not dependent on the decision made between the two options. I understand there has been a delay to the timetable, for which I apologise. The operator and Network Rail are working through the options and are looking to publish it as soon as they possibly can.

[Lord Popat (Con)]

My Lords, will the Minister please tell us what will happen to the premium payments from future operators of the east coast franchise?

[Baroness Sugg]

My Lords, whichever option for running the franchise to 2020 is chosen, the Government will continue to receive premium payments. As I have said, from 2020 there will be a new public/private partnership on the east coast. That will be subject to a competitive process and will include appropriate contributions paid by the private partner to the Government. The Government will continue to receive premium payments but I am afraid I am not able to give an exact figure at this time. It is important to reiterate that this is a successful and profitable line, and it will continue to deliver revenue to the Government.