§ Mrs. GormanTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish current and historical profit and loss accounts and balance sheets for each of the proposed rail passenger franchise units; and if he will set a date for publication.
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§ Mr. FreemanIt is our intention to provide financial information to bidders for franchises, with accounts based on the financial performance of the British Rail units to be set up to "shadow" the service groups to be franchised. The information will be made available to bidders when they are formally invited to tender.
§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what provisions will be made for reimbursement of local authorities for investment in capital programmes in proposals for privatisation of the railways.
§ Mr. FreemanA number of local authorities have supported worthwhile railway investment projects in order to secure enhanced services or facilities for local people. The benefits which the local authorities were seeking to secure will continue to be provided. Where the local authorities' investment has been made on the basis of British Rail providing a particular service this obligation will pass to British Rail's successor. So there is no case for reimbursement.
§ Mrs. GormanTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that British Rail cannot act in a manner detrimental to current private passenger and freight operators until Railtrack is totally separated from British Rail passenger and freight operations.
§ Mr. FreemanMy right hon. Friend and I remain in close touch with the chairman of the British Railways Board. I remain confident that British Rail will do all that it can to ensure an effective transition.