Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Competition and Markets Authority concerning any preferential market access which could be enjoyed by any Department for Transport operator of last resort Train Operating Company in its (1) promotion, and (2) sale, of new rail retail products and services across the rail sector.

We have been clear that there must be a level playing field between any future Great British Railways retail function and independent retailers to provide a competitive market that benefits customers. Independent retailers play an important role in growing the market and delivering innovation.

We consulted on our proposals around the retail market, where bodies, such as the Competition and Markets Authority, could express their views, and we are continuing conversations with the Office of Rail and Road and the Competition and Markets Authority while developing policy for online retail. We will publish a response in due course along with any further updates.