§ Mr. Bagierasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has received a report from the British Railways Board about the organisation of its shipping and international services division; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wiliam RodgersThe British Railways Board has recently completed a review of the organisation of its shipping and international services division in accordance with section 45 of the Transport Act 1968. I have today laid a copy of the report of its conclusions before the House and copies have been placed in the Library. The report recommends the transfer of those properties, rights and liabilities of the board which relate to the shipping and harbours undertaking to a new shipping company, to be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the British Railways Board. The board proposes shortly to submit for my approval a scheme under section 7 of the 1968 Act to effect the transfer.