Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 13 Jan 2015 Network Rail
"Network Rail has a quite extraordinary governance structure. It was set up in that way, as I think almost all parties would agree, with the primary aim of keeping its debt off the Government’s books. However, since a ruling from Eurostat, implemented by the Office for National Statistics here, that …..." Mark Reckless - View Speech
"The hon. Gentleman makes a good point, which comes back to how these people are held accountable and whether that is through the withholding of a bonus or some other form of discipline, such as a reduction in salary. I do not know whether we are talking about fines, perhaps …..." Mark Reckless - View Speech
"My hon. Friend the Member for Clacton (Douglas Carswell) spoke to me yesterday, and I spoke to the Minister. I understand that agreement is forthcoming from her as well as myself...." Mark Reckless - View Speech
"The Government said in March 2012 that Network Rail would invite other companies to compete against its core business. That contestability is perhaps one way to bring market disciplines to the operator. In the same document, the Government said that we could have vertical integration between operators. Perhaps in an …..." Mark Reckless - View Speech
"The Government’s ending of RPI plus 3%, for which my constituents were used as guinea pigs, and going to RPI plus 1% and now RPI is a positive thing that I very strongly welcome. Did the Minister consult her right hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet (Mrs Villiers) on …..." Mark Reckless - View Speech
"Did the Secretary of State not previously have those powers as a special board member? Are those powers not due to him under Network Rail’s articles of association, rather than under the framework agreement?..." Mark Reckless - View Speech
"What has changed, now that Network Rail has become a public sector body and its debt is on the Government’s balance sheet, is that it does not face the market risk of going bust, being insolvent or falling back on itself when its bond obligations cannot be satisfied...." Mark Reckless - View Speech
"I am indeed. I rise to congratulate the Government and Network Rail on the new station in Rochester, which will be fantastic. The Minister talks about working together with the operators. The new station is half a mile or so closer to London, and significant investment has been put into …..." Mark Reckless - View Speech