HC Deb 26 February 2002 vol 380 cc1208-9W
Mrs. May

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidance he has received from the ONS on the definition of a company limited by guarantee as a replacement for Railtrack in the national accounts. [37274]

Ruth Kelly

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

Letter from Len Cook to Mrs. Theresa May, dated 26 February 2002: As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question on what guidance has been received from the ONS on the definition of a company limited by guarantee as a replacement for Railtrack in the national accounts. (37274) In October 2001 ONS provided provisional statistical classification advice on plans for a company limited by guarantee. This provisional advice was that the company would be classified as a private non-financial corporation, if the detailed plans were developed as discussed. ONS will update this advice when detailed plans for the company have been finalised.

Mrs. May

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the impact of Railtrack in administration will be on the PSBR. [37277]

Mr. Andrew Smith

I refer the hon. Lady to the answer given to the hon. Member for Vale of York (Miss McIntosh) on 4 December 2001,Official Report, column 202W.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 4 February 2002,Official Report, column 702W, on Railtrack, in what way the disclosure of information on the consultations on draft legislation would harm the frankness and candour of internal discussions. [37759]

Mr. Andrew Smith

I refer the hon. Lady to the answer I gave her on 25 February 2002,Official Report, column 1052W.