HC Deb 21 January 1981 vol 997 cc187-8W
Mr. Booth

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if, in explanation of clause 1 (3) and other similar references in the Transport Bill, he will list which enactments may be taken to limit the circumstances in which, or purposes for which, the British Railways Board may exercise its powers to establish subsidiaries and to transfer property, rights and liabilities to subsidiaries under section 7 of the Transport Act 1968.

Mr. Fowler

The Railway Board's present powers to establish subsidiaries and to transfer property, rights and liabilities to them were not enacted with the intention of subsequent disposal of the businesses. Clause 1(3) of the Transport Bill is intended to make it clear that these powers can be used for that purpose.