§ Mr. Matthew BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what moves he is considering to create a framework to maximise private sector investment in the railway network; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in the autumn statement on 12 November 1992,Official Report, column 996, the Government's support for joint ventures between the public and the private sector for the construction of infrastructure, along with a £150 million special leasing arrangement for BR in respect of new rolling stock. My right hon. Friend has since announced in the Budget on 16 March 1993, Official Report, column 194, the Government's commitment to joint ventures for the channel tunnel rail link, crossrail and Heathrow express.
These new measures are set in the overall context of the Government's proposals to privatise and liberalise the railway, which will encourage the development of an efficient and modern industry responsive to customer requirements, and thus encourage private sector investment.
§ Mr. Matthew BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what positive representations he has received from the private sector to build new railways following publication of the Railways Bill; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Department has received a number of representations from private sector parties interested in the financing and construction of new railways; the details are commercially confidential.