Written questions by Vickers.

What is the percentage seat utilisation per mile on London and North Eastern Railway services to (a) York, (b) Leeds and (c) Newcastle.

LNER services have a high rate of seat utilisation which is comparable to or better than other inter-city long distance franchised operators. However, seat utilisation varies throughout the day as LNER make effective use of track capacity by running longer trains which delivers more capacity during the peaks, which can lead to excess capacity on return legs where demand may be lower. Timetable obligations and fixed train sets means that there is sufficient capacity to meet demand, though is not possible to alter capacity in these quieter times to improve seat utilisation rates on these services.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to visit Cyprus.

Cyprus is a key partner of the UK and our relationship has never been stronger. Our shared history, close people-to-people links and common values, including as members of the Commonwealth, lead us to co-operate across a broad range of priority areas. I spoke with Minister Kombos on 16 July and the Secretary of State for Defence visited Cyprus on 2 October. I look forward visiting Cyprus when diaries allow.

What progress Network Rail has made on the cost reviews taking place to deliver power supply improvements on the (a) West and (b) East Coast Main Line.

The Government is currently reviewing the position it has inherited on rail infrastructure and will consider how we address power supply issues. We will set out our plans in due course.

If she will make (a) an estimate of the proportion of London and North Eastern Railway services with limited stops that operate with under 65% seat occupancy and (b) a comparative assessment of the potential merits of providing non-subsidised open access services with more calling points.

The Department continues to work with the rail industry to ensure the design of timetable meets stakeholders needs and makes effective use of infrastructure. If an Open Access operator wishes to compete with a contracted operator, such as LNER, it is free to apply to the ORR to do so, and ORR will assess the benefits and wider impacts to passengers and to taxpayers and decide upon the application in its role as independent regulator for the rail industry.

What assessment she has made of the potential role of newly approved open access services in supporting British train (a) manufacturing, (b) assembly and (c) supply chains.

Privately owned and run open access operators can play a significant role in supporting UK train manufacturers, assemblers and their UK supply chains and are an important source of potential orders, both for new and cascaded rolling stock.  It remains a matter for each operator to decide when and how to source its own rolling stock.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to his Turkish counterpart on the return of Famagusta to its former inhabitants on the 50th anniversary of its capture.

The UK supports the numerous United Nations Security Council Resolutions covering the issue of Varosha, Famagusta, alongside the related 2021 UNSC Statement. Property remains one of the most complex issues of the status quo in Cyprus. Ultimately, the most effective way to resolve these issues is through the UN-led process to reach a just and lasting Cyprus Settlement. The UK regularly engages all parties to support this.

If she will ensure that seat utilisation of London and North Eastern Railway services on key routes are taken into account before permitting Network Rail to issue a restricted capacity notice for the East Coast Main Line.

The Department regularly monitors levels of passenger demand on LNER services which help inform timetable planning decisions on the East Coast Mainline. Network capacity is a matter for Network Rail to assess according to their criteria.

What discussions she has had with Network Rail on the (a) under-utilisation of some London North Eastern Railway services on the East Coast Main Line and (b) comparative potential merits of awarding those rails slots to open access services.

The Department regularly monitors levels of passenger demand on LNER services which help inform timetable planning decisions on the East Coast Mainline. Network capacity is a matter for Network Rail to assess according to their criteria. The Secretary of State has not discussed awarding LNER services to Open Access operators with Network Rail, and has no plans to do so, but does continue to engage with Network Rail and the ORR on submitted Open Access applications in line with standard industry processes.

What is the forecast subsidy to support London and North Eastern Railway in (a) 2024 and (b) 2025.

LNER’s subsidy forecasts for 2024/25 and 2025/26 are commercially sensitive. Details of LNER’s accounts from previous years can be found in the published statutory accounts.