§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what sums of money have been paid or are payable to Coopers and Lybrand for its study into a charging regime for the rail track; and to what time period of work such payment relates;
(2) what progress has been made by Coopers and Lybrand in its study into a charging regime for access to the rail track; and what proposals it has put forward.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Department has paid approximately £1.6 million for the studies carried out by Coopers and Lybrand on access charges, for work since December 1991. Sums for the most recent work have yet to be settled. Good progress has been made. Detailed proposals on charge structure and calculation methods of costs have been put forward and agreed.