Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that any further private sector involvement in Network Rail takes place only after detailed consideration and consultation with the industry and the relevant trade unions; and what assessment they have made of whether the complete privatisation of the company is either feasible or desirable.

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.