Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the structural integrity of the UK rail infrastructure’s (a) track and (b) signalling in (i) Control Period 6, (ii) Control Period 7 and (iii) Control Period 8.

The formal assessment of the structural integrity of the rail infrastructure in the UK is a matter for Network Rail, overseen by the independent economic and safety regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). ORR advises the UK and Scottish Governments on the level of funding required to maintain the performance and sustainability of the rail network. The Government drew on this advice in preparing its Statement of Funds Available for Control Period 6. Government expects to be provided with advice in respect of further Control Periods in due course.