Written question asked by Hugh Bayley (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 1997. It was answered by John Watts (Conservative) on Monday, 24 February 1997 on behalf of the Department of Transport.

Dept of Transport

Question: If he will list the dates of privatisation of all the York-based Britsh Rail businesses which have been sold or franchised since 18th June 1996, the number of employees in each business at the time of privatisation and the amount of money received or paid out by the Government to transfer the business into the private sector. - Table given.

Answer: Mr. Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the dates of privatisation of all the York-based British Rail businesses which have been sold or franchised since 18 June 1996, the number of employees in each business at the time of privatisation and the amount of money received or paid out by the Government to transfer the business into the private sector. [16619] Mr. Watts: The following British Rail businesses, whose headquarters were based in York, have been sold or franchised since 18 June 1996. _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Business sold/franchised Date of sale/franchise awarded Number of employees at date of Money received/subsidy granted sale/franchise award (£ million){1} Regional Railways North East 7 February 1997 Approximately 3,000 Subsidy of 224.5 in year 1 Franchise declining to 145.6 in 2003/4 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. {1} Franchises are awarded as contracts to run passenger train services in return for the payment of support, where necessary, and may not generate receipts.

Secondary information