Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will publish the (a) passenger survey data and (b) other evidence used by his Department to determine the specifications for (i) full restaurant or at-seat catering services for first class passengers and (ii) trolley service only for standard class passengers on new Intercity Express Programme trains.

The design of all on board passenger facilities including level of catering provision reflects is a matter for the train operator based on input from passenger groups, who are best placed to understand passenger’s expectations and priorities. Operators can request specific requirements; for example East Coast is considering a buffet car and “at-seat food ordering”, including in standard class. The Hon Member should contact the respective stakeholders should he wish to see the information that underpins their positions. The Department does not own this data.