HC Deb 28 March 2001 vol 365 c631W
Mrs. Anne Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the cost of renationalising the rail network and train operating companies. [155598]

Mr. Hill

It is not possible to produce an accurate estimate of the cost of renationalising the rail network and train companies. However, Railtrack's market capitalisation, based on its current share price, is some £4 billion. The cost of renationalising Railtrack would be significantly more than that because, for example, all Railtrack's spending would be a charge to public expenditure.