Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his oral contribution of 4 June 2018, Official Report, Column 51, on what date the Thameslink industry readiness board was established; who sits on that board; who funds that board; what the cost to the public purse of the operation of that board has been for the last twelve months; and if he will make a statement.

The Thameslink Industry Readiness Board first met on 13 January 2017 and is independently chaired by Chris Gibb. Chris Gibb is the independent Chair and its members are directors from Network Rail, Govia Thameslink Railway, Southeastern, Stagecoach Group (Representing East Midlands Trains and Virgin Trains East Coast), Arriva Rail London, Department for Transport, Office of Rail and Road, Siemens (supplier of the new Thameslink Fleet), and an Independent Assurance Panel representative. The cost of the board is part of the £7bn Thameslink programme.