HC Deb 14 February 2002 vol 380 cc554-5W
Mr. Pickles

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what organisation will represent passengers on the board of the not-for-profit company to run the functions of Railtrack; and if he has offered anyone for that position. [35328]

Mr. Spellar

My right hon. Friend's answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Preston (Mr. Hendrick) of 23 October 2001,Official Report, columns 195–97W, made it clear that passenger groups could be members of a company limited by guarantee (CLG). It is for the team developing a bid based on the concept of a CLG to make a proposal to the administrator, including proposals for the membership of the proposed company.

Mr. Pickles

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many people he has approached to serve on the board of the not-for-profit company to run the functions of Railtrack. [35329]

Mr. Spellar

None. It is for the team developing a bid based on the concept of a company limited by guarantee to make a proposal to the administrator, including a proposal for the management of the proposed company.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if it is his policy that the not-for-profit limited company proposed for Railtrack will be 100 per cent. privately owned; and what option the Government will retain to buy back the company. [34039]

Mr. Spellar

A company limited by guarantee (CLG) is a private company without shareholders. A CLG would be accountable to its members. We do not expect that there would be an option to buy back the company.