Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has indemnified Arriva Rail North for industrial action; and if he will make a statement.

As provided for in all franchise agreements, The Secretary of State, in his discretion, may at any time decide to reimburse or ameliorate net losses of the Franchisee arising from Industrial Action (however caused and of whatever nature) in circumstances where the Franchisee has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State that it has taken all reasonable steps to avoid the Industrial Action and that, Industrial Action having nevertheless occurred, the Franchisee has taken all reasonable steps to mitigate its effects. However, no payments have been made under the relevant Franchise Agreement provision.