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Rail Privatisation

Volume 270: debated on Monday 29 January 1996

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To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he intends to publish the study on the proposed privatisation of rail services in Northern Ireland. [11240]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester, North (Mr. Jenkin) on 11 January 1995, Official Report, column 146. I have no plans to publish the report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he intends to make a decision on the timetable for the franchising of rail services in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [11239]

Steps are being taken to introduce a private element into the management operation and capital programme of Northern Ireland Railways through a series of measures including market testing, contracting out, the sale of non-core businesses and the private finance initiative. I will keep the question of franchising under review.