§ Mr. David EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what objectives have been set by the British Railways board for the greater use of the private sector in the provision of services; and what progress has been made to date in achieving those objectives.
§ Mr. PortilloThe Government set the railways board objectives in 1983 and 1986 which included broadening the participation of the private sector in the provision of services to the railway. BR has established specific programmes to meet these objectives and has made significant progress. The former BR subsidiaries of Sealink, British Transport Advertising, Travellers Fare, BREL and the Vale of Rheidol railway have been sold to the private sector. A joint venture project has been developed with the private sector for a new Heathrow express link; and major developments at stations involve private sector input of some £1 billion. Many ancillary services, such as trolley catering on trains, parcels deliveries and management of some car parks, are privately operated. All rolling stock is now bought from the private sector, and two thirds of the rail wagon fleet, excluding coal wagons, is privately owned. BR is exploring the opportunities for further collaboration with the private sector on Channel tunnel passenger and freight services and contracting out civil engineering and signalling work.