§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will initiate a study of the operation of the railways run by the British Railways Board to identify those services or operations which can be made more effective or efficient consequent to the enactment of the Railways Bill.
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§ Mr. FreemanAll passenger and freight services should be capable of more effective or efficient operation as a result of our reform proposals.
§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will identify those requirements for transport by rail, by general character, or on specific routes, currently provided by the British Railways Board that will be capable of being provided under the provisions of the Railways Bill, indicating in each case if they would be capable of realising a commercial return or he a charge on public funds.
§ Mr. FreemanAll rail services currently provided by the British Railways Board could be provided under the provisions of the Railways Bill. The competitive tendering process will determine the amount of subsidy, if any, required for any franchise service. Freight services will be provided on a commercial basis.