HC Deb 04 December 1995 vol 268 cc57-8W
Mr. Betts

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the financial impact of the sale of South Yorkshire Supertram; [3364]

(2) what will happen to any debts of South Yorkshire Supertram which are not covered by the sale; [3363]

(3) what assessment he has made of the impact on (a) revenue funding, (b) capital funding and (c) capping levels of each council in South Yorkshire of the sale of Supertram. [3362]

Mr. Norris

My Department and South Yorkshire passenger transport executive are currently discussing these issues.

Mr. Betts

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he announced the sale of South Yorkshire Supertram; and what steps he will take to advertise the sale; [3361]

(2) if he will list the (a) organisation and (b) individuals which he has engaged to assist with the sale of South Yorkshire Supertram; [3360]

(3) what restrictions will be placed on the bodies able to purchase South Yorkshire Supertram in respect of (a) bus companies and (b) other organisations; [3367]

(4) if the sale of South Yorkshire Supertram will be by competitive tender. [3365]

Mr. Norris

Arrangements for the sale of South Yorkshire Supertram are a matter for South Yorkshire passenger transport executive.

Mr. Betts

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the timetable and process for the sale of South Yorkshire Supertram. [3368]

Mr. Norris

Arrangements for the sale of South Yorkshire Supertram are a matter for South Yorkshire passenger transport executive. It is, however, this Government's policy to privatise public transport operations wherever possible. I therefore look forward to South Yorkshire Supertram being sold at the earliest possible opportunity.

Mr. Betts

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport under what powers he has taken the decision to order the sale of South Yorkshire Supertram. [3366]

Mr. Norris

The Government and South Yorkshire passenger transport executive have always agreed that the operation of South Yorkshire Supertram will be privatised at the earliest opportunity. South Yorkshire passenger transport executive proposed the "build first, sell later" structure for Supertram and has put in place arrangements for privatisation. The director general of the PTE has frequently confirmed to me the PTE's commitment to privatisation.