§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list the amount of the subsidy paid to English, Welsh and Scottish Railways following the sale of Railfreight Distribution and the length of time this subsidy will be paid; [20917]
(2) if he will list the estimated value of the assets of Railfreight Distribution; [20918]
(3) if he will list the income received by the Exchequer following the sale of Railfreight Distribution; [20919]
(4) if English, Welsh and Scottish Railways Holdings Ltd. will be allowed to operate through the channel tunnel without payment being made by the company; [20920]
(5) if his Department will be making payments to Eurotunnel as part of the financial arrangements made following the sale of Railfreight Distribution; [20921]
(6) if English, Welsh and Scottish Railways have been allowed a pensions holiday as part of the financial arrangements following its purchase of Railfreight Distribution; [20914]
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the companies which bid to purchase Railfreight Distribution. [20922]
§ Mr. WattsBids were received from English, Welsh and Scottish Railway Holdings Ltd. and from a consortium led by Management Consortium Bid Ltd.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what basis the sale of Railfreight Distribution requires the approval of the European Commission. [20911]
§ Mr. WattsThe Commission has been notified of the offer for sale under article 93(3) of the treaty.
765W
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the total cost of advisers, consultants and legal advice of the sale of Railfreight Distribution. [20912]
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff are currently employed by Railfreight Distribution; and at what location. [20913]
§ Mr. WattsThe number of staff currently employed by Railfreight Distribution is 1,182, based principally at Allerton, Birmingham, Crewe, Derby, Dolland's Moor, Mossend, Paddington, Saltley, Tinsley, Trafford Park, Wakefield, Wembley and Willesden.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if English, Welsh and Scottish Railway Holdings Ltd. has applied for a safety case for(a) new locomotives and (b) rolling stock. [20915]
§ Mr. WattsEnglish, Welsh and Scottish Railway is discussing with Railtrack a prospective route acceptance safety case for its new Class 66 locomotive.