§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on levels of investment planned by(a) Railtrack and (b) the private train operators in 1998. [27638]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonRailtrack publishes its levels of investment for the maintenance, renewal and enhancement of the network in an annual Network Management Statement. The next statement is expected in March. No organisation is currently responsible for monitoring the total investment levels planned by all train operators, though the Franchising Director monitors contractually committed investment. Our proposed Rail Authority will help to meet the need for proper strategic planning in the industry.