§ 51. Mr. Newensasked the Minister of Transport when he next expects to meet the chairman of British Railways.
§ 59. Mr. Snapeasked the Minister of Transport when he expects to meet the chairman of the British Railways Board.
§ Mr. FowlerI refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Members for Sunderland, South (Mr. Bagier), Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) and Blackburn (Mr. Straw).
§ Mr. Richard Shepherdasked the Minister of Transport if he will issue a general direction to British Railways to offer for sale their hotels and catering activities; and if he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the future of British Railways activities not directly connected with the transportation of freight or passengers.
§ Mr. FowlerI have told the chairman that the Government expect the British Railways board to run its subsidiary businesses on a commercial basis. My powers are not appropriate to give the direction my hon. Friend proposes.