Written Question: Railway Pay Harmonisation

Lord Moylan: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions, if any, they have had since January with trades unions representing railway workers about harmonising pay and conditions as between employees of formerly privately-owned train-operating companies.

Minister of State, Department for Transport (Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, CBE): The Secretary of State has not met with the rail trade unions to discuss changes to pay and conditions. These matters are for employers to discuss with their union representatives, regardless of whether publicly or privately owned.