§ Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been achieved by British Rail towards the targets set out in its commercial plan for divesting itself of surplus land.
§ Mr. FreemanOn 24 October 1983 the then Secretary of State published the objectives that he had agreed with the chairman of British Rail, which asked the board to continue to pursue a vigorous policy of property development and disposal. British Rail has been successful in divesting itself of its surplus land. Since 1 January 1984, British Rail has disposed of over 23,000 acres.
§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what record he has of or what representations he received from British Rail about its inability to recruit the most suitable applicants for posts in top and middle management or skilled scientific and professional grades owing to inadequate or non-competitive salaries.
§ Mr. FreemanNone. The British Railways Board is responsible for salaries and recruitment of its staff.