§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether British Rail executives may be considered for the advertised posts of rail regulator and head of franchising; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanWe placed no restrictions on the field of application for candidates wishing to be considered for the posts of railway regulator or passenger railway franchising authority. British Rail employees, like any others, were free to apply. The public advertisement for the posts said that railway or public transport experience would be an advantage, though not essential; and it was one of several criteria on which we have been considering candidates.