HC Deb 12 May 1982 vol 23 cc280-1W
17. Sir William van Straubenzee

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has yet received the report he has commissioned on the future of British Railways' finances from Mr. James Butler.

Mr. David Howell

I do not expect to receive Mr. Butler's report until mid-July.

28. Mr. Campbell Savours

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is yet in a position to announce the name of the chairman of the review into the finances of British Railways.

Mr. Eyre

I refer the hon. Member to the answer that my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Louth (Mr. Brotherton) on 5 May.—[Vol. 23, c. 83.]

33. Mr. Les Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will make a statement about British Railways' future financial position following the publication of the board's annual report.

Mr. David Howell

The annual report and accounts for 1981 indicate the seriousness of the board's financial situation. The chairman's commentary makes clear just how much this has been made worse by the ASLEF dispute earlier in the year, and highlights the need for progress in modernising working practices.