§ Mr. BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will protect trackbeds used previously for freight and passenger rail services from development until the National Railways Authority has reviewed the strategic rail network. [16907]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe establishment of a new Railways Authority would require primary legislation. In the meantime, it is for Railtrack and those other organisations who own trackbed to consider each individual case separately.
Owners' powers of disposal are limited under the Railways Act 1993 which makes provisions for the closure of railway lines carrying passenger traffic. Railtrack operates non-statutory closure procedures before disposal for freight-only lines. These involve wide consultation and consideration of strategic needs.
462WRailtrack and British Rail are considering those lengths of former railway line still in BR's ownership which Railtrack might wish to acquire for future railways development.