HC Deb 28 January 2002 vol 379 cc48-9W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what interest liability the Railtrack administrator has incurred under the commercial loan agreement. [26304]

Mr. Spellar

The interest which is paid to the Secretary of State, accrued up until 15 January under the commercial loan agreement, is of the order of £14.2 million. It will be rolled up into the loan and paid at the same time that principal is repaid.

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he estimates that increased operating costs that Railtrack has experienced post-Hatfield will have an impact on the financial projections in the SRA strategic plan. [28545]

Mr. Jamieson

We will assess any impact on the SRA financial projections once the administrator or railtrack's successor has obtained a clearer picture of its underlying cost base and its operational needs.

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what powers he has to end the Railtrack administration through a refinancing package for the existing company. [30026]

Mr. Jamieson

The powers of the Secretary of State in respect of a railway administration are set out in the Railways Act 1993 and the Railway Administration Order Rules 2001. My right hon. Friend's answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Preston (Mr. Hendrick) on 23 October 2001,Official Report, columns 195–97W set out the basis for a proposal for a private sector company limited by guarantee as a successor to Railtrack. We have no plans to develop other proposals.

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made on the impact of(a) Railtrack administration and (b) the move to two year franchise extensions on levels of new orders for rolling stock. [28552]

Mr. Jamieson

There are a number of mechanisms available to the SRA to secure investment under short franchise extensions, including rolling stock commitments under section 54 of the Railways Act 1993 where appropriate. I am not aware of any adverse effect on rolling stock orders caused by Railtrack going into administration.