§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 11 December 2001,Official Report, columns 783–84W, on the company limited by guarantee as a model for Railtrack, if he will list (a) the failures of the existing regime from which lessons have been learned and (b) the tried and tested cases of companies limited by guarantee to which he refers. [31596]
§ Mr. SpellarRailtrack failed in a number of key areas. These include lack of knowledge of the company's assets, failure to manage projects and contracted-out work effectively, an inadequate skills base and a lack of customer focus.
A company limited by guarantee is a suitable vehicle for a wide range of activities. For example, many national charities are set up as companies limited by guarantee. Companies limited by guarantee are also frequently used for the not-for-profit promotion of education, sport or commerce. Examples of companies limited by guarantee in commerce include the British Phonographic Industry Ltd., City Disputes Panel Ltd., the National Readership Surveys Ltd., British Venture Capital Association, BioIndustry Association, Lloyd's Register of Shipping Trust Corporation Ltd. and Glas Cymru Cyfyngedig.
§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the dedicated unit within Railtrack which is aimed at identifying and more speedily addressing problems and faults with the railway infrastructure was set up; how many people are employed within the unit; and what its remit is. [33044]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 4 February 2002]: Railtrack advise that there is currently no dedicated unit as described. However, the company has identified as a priority the need to improve the management and operation of the railway infrastructure and this is currently being taken forward.
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of(a) public money and (b) the private finance set out in the 10-year plan for the railways is for Railtrack in administration and its successor company. [33995]
§ Mr. SpellarRailtrack in administration and its successor company will continue to receive income from grant and other sources as set out in the regulator's October 2000 periodic review and in the 2 April agreement between Government and Railtrack.