§ Ms Janet AndersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the regulator will have powers to require private rail operators, following the privatisation of British Rail, to provide common discount facilities for pensioners; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanYes, if he considers it requisite or expedient having regard to his general duties under clause 4 of the Railways Bill. But private operators will be under strong commercial incentives to offer discount facilities to attract customers.
§ Mr. Bill MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the pension arrangements for employees of South Yorkshire Transport if the sale to the private sector takes place after 30 June.
§ Mr. FreemanI have had no recent communications from the South Yorkshire passenger transport authority, but I hope that it will sell South Yorkshire Transport Ltd. before 30 June.