HC Deb 28 July 1989 vol 157 c1101W
Mr. Gerald Bowden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effects of privatising British Rail(a) as one national private railway company and (b) as individual regional private railway companies.

Mr. Portillo

These are among the privatisation options being considered.

Mr. Gerald Bowden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he has given to the proposal to privatise Network SouthEast, with its operational responsibilities to include the development and operation of a Channel tunnel rail link, as a separate railway company; and what representations he has received from private sector parties interested in such a proposal.

Mr. Portillo

A range of privatisation options for British Rail is being considered, including privatisation by business sectors, of which Network SouthEast is one. Privatisation options will need to take account of the Channel tunnel rail link proposals, but I have received no representations from the private sector concerning privatisation of Network SouthEast and the rail link together.

Mr. Gerald Bowden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to be able to announce his decision on the privatisation of British Rail.

Mr. Portillo

Not for some time.

Mr. Gerald Bowden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations British Rail has made to him with regard to the progress of discussions with parties from the private sector interested in investing in a Channel tunnel rail link scheme; and when he expects to be able to announce the outcome of those discussions.

Mr. Portillo

The British Railways board keeps me informed of its progress in securing private sector involvement in the rail link scheme. An announcement will be made in due course.

Mr. Gerald Bowden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from potential bidders from the private sector interested in the private financing and future operations of a Channel tunnel rail link scheme.

Mr. Portillo

My right hon. Friend and I have received some representations on this subject. British Rail is currently discussing its proposals for the high-speed rail link with several private sector interests.