Lots of FGW - related questions were asked , and an interesting quote from Douglas Alexander (link below.)
http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070130/debtext/70130-0001.htm#column_65

"I fear that the hon. Gentleman is labouring under a misapprehension. The premium payments by the franchisees do not go back to the Treasury, but are ring-fenced within the Department for Transport rail budget. It is exactly the kind of premium that he speaks of, as well as the sustained public investment, that accounts for the fact that 4,800 new trains and carriages have been purchased over the past 10 years."