HC Deb 20 June 1994 vol 245 c44W
18. Mr. Michael Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessments he has made of the effects on passengers resulting from plans to privatise the railways.

Mr. Freeman

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale (Sir F. Montgomery) earlier today.

Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what indications there are from previous privatisations of transport industries of the effects on passengers of the privatisation of British Rail.

Mr. Freeman

Previous privatisations have consistently led to improved services for customers and greater efficiency for the industries concerned. The same will happen on the railways.

26. Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the line closures that are likely to result from the privatisation of British Rail; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

There is no reason for privatisation to lead to any increase in the number of lines or stations being proposed for closure. The safeguards are at least as strong as they have been in the past.