asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether any studies have been commissioned into the privatisation of Railfreight distribution; who are the consultants appointed; when the consultants will report and whether the Government will publish any report.

Mercer Management Consulting and National Economic Research Associates have been appointed jointly by the British Railways Board and the Department of Transport to study Railfreight distribution, including the options for privatisation. Their report is expected later this month. The report will not be published, as it will contain commercially confidential information.