HC Deb 13 April 1989 vol 150 cc646-7W
Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultations he has held with local authorities regarding any proposals to permit privately operated services over the Settle-Carlisle section of British Rail; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Portillo

None. Such consultations are British Rail's responsibility.

Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the organisations, other than British Rail, with whom he has had discussions about providing railway services on the Settle-Carlisle section of British Rail, during the last eight weeks; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Portillo

My right hon. Friend and I have had no such discussions.

Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his proposal to support a company 51 per cent. owned by British Rail, 49 per cent. owned by Cumbrian Railways Ltd., to operate the Settle-Carlisle section of British Rail.

Mr. Portillo

Negotiations with any private organisations interested in the Settle-Carlisle railway are British Rail's responsibility. However, such negotiations must now be reviewed in the light of my right hon. Friend's answer to the hon. Member for Skipton and Ripon (Mr. Curry) on 11 April at columns 411–12.