§ Mr. WattsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he is considering for privatisation of the Slough to Windsor railway branch line; and what steps he can take to protect the railway triangle at Slough for future rail use.
§ Mr. FreemanIt is our intention that all British Rail's passenger services will be franchised to private sector companies, including the Slough to Windsor branch line. We expect to make an announcement within the next few months about the form in which the remaining parts of the passenger rail network in Great Britain will be prepared for franchising. The area of land known as the Slough railway triangle is owned by British Rail. I understand that BR's plans for development on the triangle will not preclude possible future use if necessary in connection with a franchise of the Slough to Windsor line. A corridor of land will remain which would be sufficient for such purpose.