HC Deb 22 February 1996 vol 272 cc254-5W
Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the sales completed by the BR vendor unit, with the name of purchaser and price paid in each case. [16228]

Mr. Watts

The sales completed by the British Railways Board are listed below. Those where the BR vendor unit has been involved are marked with an asterisk.

Gross proceeds from the sale to date of businesses sold by BR amount to some£304 million. As explained in the Government's response of 14 December 1995 to the Transport Committee's fourth report, on railway finances, it would be contrary to the commercial interests of British Rail and the Government to publish details of individual sales at this stage, as that may prejudice similar sales still in progress. Details of individual sales completed will be made public in due course.

In addition to that figure, the sale of the rolling stock leasing companies, which was handled by my Department, realised£1,822.23 million.