§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress he is making in reviewing future policy for the railways; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeytonOver the past months the British Railways Board has been carrying out at my request a number of studies on future policy. Today the board is informing the railway trade unions of the general conclusions it has reached as a result of these studies. The Government will now be considering their attitude to the studies, in the light of the unions' views and other relevant considerations, including the important financial, social and environmental implications. I shall be presenting the Government's conclusions to the House as early as possible.