Mr. NicholasWinterton asked the Secretary of State for Transport when the Government expect to denationalise the National Freight Company; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FowlerAs I told the House in my statement on 18 June-[Vol. 6, c. 1184–87]—I am currently considering a proposal from a group of the company's senior managers who are putting together a widely based consortium of managers and employees with the intention of purchasing the company. I have welcomed this imaginative initiative, and said that I hope it will be possible to achieve such a sale. I am consulting with my legal and financial advisers, but it is likely to be some time yet before I am in a position to reach a firm conclusion.