HL Deb 30 October 2001 vol 627 c155WA
Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What were the names, locations and approximate areas of land holdings of over five hectares adjacent to or connecting to railway lines owned on 7 October by (a) Railtrack plc (b) Railtrack Group. [HL893]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The Government do not possess details of Railtrack's land holdings.

Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ensure that no lands owned by Railtrack plc or Railtrack Group on 7 October are disposed of for non-transport purposes without consultation with the wider rail industry; and whether they will ensure that a procedure is set up to achieve such consultation. [HL894]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The Government have no powers in relation to Railtrack Group. However, the great bulk of railway land is held by Railtrack plc. The Rail Regulator has proposed, and Railtrack has accepted, a new network licence condition, the purpose of which would be to prevent disposal of land by Railtrack plc if that land may be important to the continuing operation and further development of the network and services relating to railways.