§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress is being made with the Government's plans for the sale of British Rail's freight businesses to the private sector; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe privatisation of British Rail's freight businesses requires primary legislation. Subject to enactment of that legislation, we intend that privatisation will commence in 1994. We are aiming to announce preferred options for the restructuring of the freight businesses prior to privatisation in the first part of next year.