HC Deb 10 June 2002 vol 386 cc777-8W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if it is his policy to modify the provisions of the Railways Act 1993 in relation to Railway Administration. [59333]

Mr. Jamieson

I have been asked to reply.

There are no current plans to do so.

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the requirement in the Commercial Loan Agreement for the Railtrack administrator to repay commercial loans in September. [59358]

Mr. Jamieson

I have been asked to reply.

Under Clause 11.1.1 of the Commercial Loan Agreement, repayment is due on the earlier of, the date notified to the agent as being the date expected to fall seven days before a transfer scheme is made or if no transfer scheme is made, an Alternative Railway Transfer, or discharge of the Railway Administration Order, or 23 September 2002 or the date which is the next business day following any date to which the availability period is extended. The availability period is defined as the period from (and including) financial close to (and including) 20 September 2002 or such later date as may be determined pursuant to Clause 5.5 of the Commercial Loan Agreement.

John Barrett

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the number of trained staff in Scotland on the implementation of the Strategic Rail Authority's plan in Scotland. [58095]

Mr. Jamieson

I have been asked to reply.

The Strategic Rail Authority has recognised the need for improvements in training within the industry and is taking the lead on the development of a National Rail Academy, to promote the development of the key skills and competencies needed to run a railway on a safe and effective basis. The SRA has provided £500,000 for development work.