PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
RAILTRACK (29 March 1998)

That this House notes with concern the comments of the independent Rail Regulator that Railtrack's 1998 Network Management Statement 'contains very few firm commitments to deliver significant improvements across the railway network'; welcomes the Regulator's decision to review whether the commitments are sufficient under the conditions of Railtrack's licence in consultation with train operators and funders of the railway; welcomes the announcement of an immediate review of railway safety by the Health and Safety Commission encompassing the possibility of transferring Railtrack's role in enforcing standards as well as setting them; and looks forward to the establishment of a strategic rail authority to ensure higher standards of service for rail users, promote increased rail passenger and freight transport, facilitate long-term strategic planning and deliver higher levels of investment in the rail network.

Sponsored by:
Gareth Thomas (Labour)