§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if Ministers have been approached regarding a possible private takeover or replacement of the British Rail Speedlink service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanI understand from BR that a number of private sector companies have expressed interest in finding ways of operating some Speedlink traffics. British Rail will welcome any serious propositions that have advantages for both sides.
§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if ministerial approval was sought for the closure of British Rail's Speedlink service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe British Rail chairman kept us informed throughout the board's review of Speedlink. The decision to close the Speedlink network from July 1991 is a commercial matter for the BR board and does not require ministerial approval.