National Freight Corporation

HC Deb 23 July 1980 vol 989 c480

8. Mr. Temple-Morris

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the timing of the sale of the National Freight Corporation.

Mr. Fowler

I would hope in the first part of next year, but that must depend on the market.

Mr. Temple-Morris

Does my hon. Friend realise that these proposals are most welcome on the Conservative Benches, that they have been well accepted within the NFC, and that the sooner they are implemented the better? Does he agree that the wider the role permitted to private enterprise under his proposals, the safer and more secure will be the long-term future of all the employees in the NFC?

Mr. Fowler

My hon. Friend is right. This is a good company which can become even better under the structure we have in mind for it.

Mr. Dobson

What consultations has the Minister had about his proposals with those working in the corporation?

Mr. Fowler

We have had consultations over the past 15 months. We debated the provisions in our proceedings on what is now the Transport Act. I am glad to say that within the NFC a great many people are enthusiastically in favour of these very good proposals.