§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on(a) the timing, (b) the responsibility for and (c) the basis of preparation of the asset maintenance plan. [66534]
§ Mr. JamiesonRailtrack's duties in respect of asset maintenance are primarily those set out in its network licence, in particular Conditions 7 and 24. Railtrack also has duties set out in regulated track access agreements with train operating companies. Railtrack produced asset maintenance plans for civil engineering (track and structures) in 1998 and for signalling assets in 1999. These formed critical inputs to the Rail Regulator's periodic review of access charges which concluded in October 2000. Railtrack also must produce a Network Management Statement (NMS) annually, in compliance with Condition 7 of its network licence. The NMS sets out how the company will manage the operation, efficiency and capability of its assets to meet the reasonable requirements of its customers.