§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what account will be taken of potential job losses and the possible environmental impact of transferring parcel delivery from rail to road when deciding who will be successful in taking over Red Star parcel services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisBR is the vendor of Red Star. In selling the business it will take account of the statutory objectives set out in section 113 of the Railways Act 1993.
§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures the Government intend taking to ensure that the purchasers of Red Star parcel service cannot pull out of rail delivery of parcels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisUnder BR ownership, Red Star turnover has declined significantly in recent years. It is in the commercial interests of Red Star that the purchaser should be able to develop the business without continuing restrictions imposed by Government.