§ 50. Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he has to direct the British Rail Property Board in the disposal of assets and the discharge of residual legal responsibilities arising from planning obligations and agreements entered into by British Rail. [14895]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Secretary of State has power to direct the British Railways Board to dispose of any of its property, rights and liabilities under section 89 of the Railways Act 1993, where the principal objective is to secure the result that the function of providing railway services in Great Britain is performed by private sector operators. Discharge of obligations in planning agreements is a matter of contract between the contracting parties.