HC Deb 11 March 1996 vol 273 cc473-4W
Ms Short

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he has taken in negotiations with prospective buyers of the British Railways Board's freight businesses to ensure that he complies with section 113 of the Railways Act 1993. [19860]

Mr. Watts

Negotiations with prospective purchasers are a matter for the British Railways Board. My right hon. Friend considers the board's recommendations for disposal in the light of his objectives under section 113 before deciding whether to consent to a sale.

Ms Short

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much money has been spent by(a) his Department, (b) the Office of the Rail Regulator and (c) the British Railways Board in the reorganisation of the British Railways Board's freight business. [19858]

Mr. Watts

The expenditure by my Department and by the Office of the Rail Regulator on reorganising the British Railways Board's trainload freight division cannot be identified separately, nor could the expenditure by the board without a detailed analysis at disproportionate cost to the board.