HL Deb 28 October 2004 vol 665 cc147-8WA
Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When Railtrack was first instructed by the Rail Regulator to prepare a register of its assets; when further instructions were given to the company and Network Rail in connection with an asset register; and when it is expected that the register will be complete. [HL4437]

Lord Davies of Oldham

The Rail Regulator modified Railtrack's network licence in April 2001 to include a new condition requiring the company to establish and maintain a register of assets. The company's guidelines for the development of the asset register, inherited by Network Rail, were approved by the Rail Regulator in August 2002. These require twice-yearly plans on progress and Network Rail reported last time that it expects the objectives of the licence condition largely to be met by Autumn 2005. Network Rail's latest plans, covering the period to 30 September 2004, are currently being considered by the Office of Rail Regulation. A statement will be made shortly as part of ORR's proposed annual statement on Network Rail's stewardship of the national rail network.