§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport in what ways British Rail is accountable to Parliament; what limits he places on the scope and range of parliamentary questions about British Rail to which hon. Members will receive substantive answers; how this will change under this proposals for reform of the railways; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe British Railways Board is accountable to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State under the terms of the legislation applicable to the board.
It is for the House authorities to decide what questions are accepted for answer by Ministers, although there may be cases where questions approved for tabling are found on closer examination to be strictly operational matters for British Rail.
Under the Government's proposed reforms, the Secretary of State for Transport will retain substantial responsibilities on which he would continue to answer parliamentary questions.