Written question asked by Brian H Donohoe (Labour) on Friday, 26 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 December 2004. It was answered by Tony McNulty (Labour) on Thursday, 2 December 2004 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the proposed devolvement of control of Scotland's railways as proposed by the Railways Bill will give powers to the Scottish Executive to renationalise railways. - (Holding answer 30 November 2004).

Answer: Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the proposed devolvement of control of Scotland's railways as proposed by the Railways Bill will give powers to the Scottish Executive to renationalise railways. [200922] Mr. McNulty: [holding answer 30 November 2004]: No. While streamlining the structure of the Rail industry and making a number of amendments to current rail legislation, the Railways Bill does not propose any changes to the status of Network Rail, which would remain a private `not for dividend' company limited by guarantee, with responsibility for operating, maintaining and renewing Britain's rail network. Nor does the Bill propose amendments to Section 25 of the Railways Act 1993, which prevents any public sector body or emanation of the Crown or any company controlled by the Crown from operating a franchise, other than as an operator of last resort.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 200922; 428 c196-7W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Devolution Powers Railways Nationalisation Scotland Scottish Executive
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk