HC Deb 03 March 1995 vol 255 c735W
Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the amount of indebtedness of Railtrack; and what plans he has to write it off.

Mr. Watts

As at 1 January 1995 the outstanding principal owed by Railtrack to the national loans fund was £1.53 billion, excluding temporary borrowing.

I have no plans at present to write off this debt.

Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the cost to British Rail of servicing its accumulated debts at today's prices in each of the past 20 years.

Mr. Watts

This information is available in cash prices in British Rail's annual report and accounts.

Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning the writing off of Railtrack's debts.

Mr. Watts

None

Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what basis debt was apportioned at the time of Railtrack's separation from the British Railways Board on 1 April 1994.

Mr. Watts

Decisions on debt apportionment between British Rail and Railtrack were made bearing in mind the future financial plans of the two organisations.