HC Deb 13 March 1996 vol 273 cc609-10W
Ms Short

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 21 February,Official Report, column 145, what was the total sum estimated by W. S. Atkins as required for maintenance of Railtrack's assets in steady state over 10 years; and what maintenance works are included in this estimate. [18548]

Mr. Watts

Railtrack's asset maintenance plan in respect of track and route structures, developed with the assistance of W. S. Atkins, is based on a central estimate for the 10 years from 1 April 1994 of £3,250 million. The forecast covers maintenance and renewals work on track embankments, cuttings, retaining walls, culverts and sea defences. It excludes day-to-day maintenance carried out under contract by the infrastructure maintenance companies.