Railways

HC Deb 10 May 2004 vol 421 cc13-5W

Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will ask Network Rail to launch an urgent inquiry into track quality between Swindon and Paddington. [169332]

Mr. McNulty

This is an operational matter for Network Rail. However, Network Rail advises me that it is already undertaking a comprehensive programme to manage and monitor the track quality in this area and, at the same time, is investing to upgrade the track.

Network Rail has liaised closely with the Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate over those sections of poorer quality track, which are being monitored though an enhanced regime of inspections. It is investing in maintenance of the track, and switches and crossings (S&C) sites have been receiving additional attention from heavy maintenance gangs. There is also an on-going extensive programme of track and S&C renewals.

John McDonnell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with which stakeholders he has held direct discussions in connection with his review of the structure and organisation of the railways. [171213]

Mr. McNulty

Ministers and officials in the Department of Transport have had discussions with a wide range of people and organisations in the course the current review of the structure and organisation of the rail industry.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the decision of Network Rail to postpone the installation of a radio system for drivers until 2015. [168372]

Mr. McNulty

Network Rail advise me that they are currently implementing a new system for drivers known as the Global System for Mobile Communications for Railways (GSM-R). Its phased introduction is due for completion in 2013.

The installation work has already commenced in Strathclyde. GSM-R will be implemented on all high-speed lines by 2006 and the majority of the GSM-R upgrade will be completed by 2008–09.

The original timetable envisaged completion by 2008. The new time scales and expenditure profile reflect the outcome of the Rail Regulator's Interim Review and are believed to be realistic and deliverable.

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library copies of the reports on the Central Railway project prepared for him by the Strategic Rail Authority. [171282]

Mr. McNulty

[holding answer 6 May 2004]: The Strategic Rail Authority's report took the form of a letter to Ministers from the SRA Chairman. The letter constitutes advice to Ministers. It is not the practice to make available such advice.

David Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how often he meets officials of the Strategic Rail Authority to discuss improvements to the national rail network. [171479]

Mr. McNulty

Ministerial colleagues and I have very frequent meetings with the Strategic Rail Authority.

David Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what the Department's role was in the formulation of the Route Utilisation Strategy (Part One) for the East Midlands published in March by the Strategic Rail Authority; [171504]

(2) what assessment he has made of the Strategic Rail Authority's Route Utilisation Strategy (Part One) for the East Midlands. [171506]

Mr. McNulty

The role of the Department in formulating the Strategic Rail Authority's (SRA) Route Utilisation Strategies is to ensure that the SRA's approach is consistent with broader Government policy, is in the best interests of the taxpayer and is in accordance with expected resources. The framework informing and underpinning all Route Utilisation Strategies was set out in the SRA's Network Utilisation Strategy, published in June 2003. The detail of individual Route Utilisation Strategies is a matter for the SRA.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the profit levels of train leasing companies. [171514]

Mr. McNulty

The profits earned by the rolling stock leasing companies (ROSCOs) are set out in their filed accounts. Their operations are subject to the scrutiny of the competition authorities in the usual way.