§ 25. Mrs. Helen JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what changes he has made to his timetable for rail privatisation. [7466]
§ Sir George YoungI refer the hon. Member to the. Government's response to the Transport Select Committee report on railway finances published on 14 December 1995 which was placed in the Library of the House. The response to recommendation(a) of the report dealt with changes to the timetable for privatisation. I recently announced that Railtrack will be sold by stock market flotation in May 1996.
§ 26. Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for transport what estimate he has made of the changes in the number of(a) jobs and (b) rail services as a result of rail privatisation; and if he will make a statement. [7467]
§ Mr. WattsThe Government believe that privatisation will lead to significant improvements to the railway network and services. These improvements will bring benefits not only to passengers but to the employment prospects of those who work in the railway and associated industries.