HL Deb 04 March 1996 vol 570 cc4-5WA
Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What powers of compulsory purchase of land or property have been or will be vested with the privatised passenger train operating companies or the freight rail companies.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Viscount Goschen)

It is not the policy of Her Majesty's Government to vest any powers of compulsory purchase of land or property with the privatised passenger rail companies or the rail freight companies by transfer scheme under the Railways Act 1993. That Act does not permit the transfer by scheme of the British Railways Board's powers of compulsory purchase under Section 15 of the Transport Act 1962.

They have the same rights as any other person to apply for an order under Section 1 of the Transport and Works Act 1992.