§ Mr. GowTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much land, surplus to operational requirements, was owned by British Rail on 30 September 1987; and what discussions he has had with the chairman of British Rail concerning progress in selling such land.
§ Mr. David MitchellI understand from the BR Property Board that the total was some 17,300 acres. We have asked British Rail to dispose of all its surplus land and property as rapidly as possible. I discussed a variety of matters with700W the chairman of the BR Property Board in December, including progress in this area. I will write to my hon. Friend with further information.