§ Sir Paul BeresfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the future of the British Railways Board parcels service, Red Star.
§ Mr. MacGregorI have received representations from the British Railways Board seeking approval to the early trade sale of Red Star, and on 7 October I announced my agreement to that proposal. The detailed sale arrangements will be drawn up by the board, subject to Government scrutiny in the usual way. I welcome the board's commitment to Red Star privatisation. An early sale is the best way to revitalise the business and return it to profitability.