HC Deb 19 May 1986 vol 98 cc20-1W
12. Mr. Stan Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met the manager of British Rail Engineering Ltd. and what subjects were discussed.

Mr. David Mitchell

The chairman of BREL accompanied my right hon. Friend on his visit to China last September, during which a wide range of issues —particularly export promotion—was discussed.

27. Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met representatives of the staff of British Rail Engineering Ltd., and what subjects were discussed.

Mr. David Mitchell

My right hon. Friend met representatives of BREL's Swindon workforce on 21 March to discuss BREL's closure of the works and the company's alternative employment strategy for Swindon. I have also received delegations from several BREL works in recent months.

36. Mr. McKelvey

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent information he has received of the British Railways Board's progress on its review of options to the future of British Rail Engineering Limited.

Mr. David Mitchell

The chairman has continued to keep us informed about progress. I understand that the board will be discussing the present position with its trade unions at a meeting of its rail council on 20 May.