§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what response he has received from the Rail Regulator on the merits or otherwise of direct funding for Railtrack; and if he will make a statement. [86749]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 15 June 1999]The Deputy Prime Minister asked the Rail Regulator to advise on the advantages and disadvantages of direct funding. That advice has been received and we will announce our conclusions in due course.
282W
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the total investment planned by Railtrack, excluding moneys for maintenance and renewal, over the next five years intended to increase freight movements by rail. [86434]
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with Railtrack concerning the capital development plan and public investment in it; and if he will make a statement. [86892]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answers 15 and 16 June 1999]Railtrack's proposals for investment in the rail network over the next 10 years—for both passenger and freight—were set out in its 1999 Network Management Statement (NMS), published in March. The Rail Regulator is currently considering whether the investment proposed in the NMS meets the reasonable requirements of the industry and its funders. In doing so the Regulator will take into account the views of the industry and the shadow Strategic Rail Authority.