§ Mr. Chris DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what is his estimate for the cost of obtaining information about how many British Rail locomotives since 1992(a) have been scrapped, (b) offered for sale and (c) are currently in storage as surplus to requirements; [2322]
(2) what discussions he has had with the chairman of the Railways Board about the refusal of British Rail to put up for sale locomotives which are surplus to its requirements; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WattsThe policy agreed between the Government and the British Railways Board is that where freight equipment is identified as surplus to operational requirements, it will be offered for sale by BR on a competitive basis. Operational requirements includes the retention of old rolling stock for spare parts, and holding a strategic reserve for potential future traffic. Detailed questions about the location, value and ultimate fate of old locomotives—and the cost of undertaking surveys—are for BR and its subsidiary companies.
§ Mr. DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what estimate he has made of the cost of obtaining information regarding the number of British Rail locomotives, currently being stored out of use, which have been offered for sale to operators or potential operators of train services; [3074]
(2) if he will estimate the value of the British Rail locomotives currently stored out of use and surplus to requirements which (a) are being offered for sale and (b) are not being offered for sale. [3073]
§ Mr. DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from potential operators of train services complaining about the refusal by British Rail to sell surplus locomotives. [658]
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§ Mr. WattsThe Department of Transport has received representations from one potential operator of train services regarding this matter.