Asked by: Lord Snape (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the current financial stability of Network Rail and its impact on improvements to the railway system, in the light of increasing demand for passenger and freight services; and whether they plan to take further action to restructure the company if the recently commissioned review so recommends.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The government has asked Sir Peter Hendy, Network Rail Chairman, to lead a review into Network Rail’s investment programme. This will be completed by Autumn 2015.
The government has also asked Nicola Shaw, Chief Executive of High Speed 1, to advise on the longer-term future shape and financing of Network Rail. This work will report in time for Budget 2016.
Asked by: Lord Snape (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to make further changes at board level at Network Rail.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Secretary of State for Transport’s direct powers in relation to Network Rail’s Board are the rights to appoint or remove the Chair and the Special Director. Decisions on both of these posts were announced on 25 June and have taken effect.
Other changes to Network Rail’s Board are a matter for Network Rail in consultation with the Secretary of State. As it said in its Annual Report, Network Rail is currently in the process of recruiting a new Non-Executive Director with railway experience.