§ Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Transport what were the financial targets set for British Railways in terms of net assets over the last 10 years; and how well British Railways have done in meeting those targets after allowing for interest payments, depreciation and tax.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe Board has not been set any targets in terms of net assets. In the Transport Policy White Paper, the Government have set the Railways Board two broad financial objectives: to contain and then reduce support need for passenger services; and to eliminate any requirement beyond this year for support to the non-passenger railway.