§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what powers the administrators of Railtrack have to sell(a) major stations, (b) other property and (c) other land assets independently of the remainder of the rail network. [60650]
§ Mr. JamiesonIn accordance with section 59 of the Railways Act 1993, the railway administration order made in respect of Railtrack plc directs that the affairs, business and property of the company shall be managed by the administrators for the achievement of the purposes of the administration order. The purposes of the order include transferring the network undertaking as a going concern and ensuring that the management of the rail network can be properly carried on pending a transfer.
1138WThe administrators have the power to sell major stations, other property and other land assets, but may use it only to achieve the purposes of the administration order. Furthermore, to protect the public interest, it is a condition of its network licence that Railtrack plc (in administration) may not dispose of land without the consent of the Rail Regulator.
§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many full-time engineers were employed by Railtrack who worked on(a) maintenance and (b) enhancements and projects on 24 September 2001; how many there are; and how many have joined the company since 5 October 2001. [60653]
§ Mr. JamiesonI refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) on 24 May 2002,Official Report, column 617W. Further information is not held in the form requested.