Speeches by Mather.

“I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. I hope he sees that the Government have tabled amendments to ensure that Great British Railways cannot be privatised by the back door. Any changes would have to be made through an Act of Parliament, with full consultation with the House. I am sure that the people who have se…”

“Great British Railways”

“(2) This subsection requires consultation with the Passengers’ Council if the proposed modifications relate to functions of the Council.”

“(1) The Office of Rail and Road may, after any consultation required by subsection (2), modify the conditions of a licence held by Great British Railways if Great British Railways consents to the modification.”

“Clause 1”

“I would like to make some progress; I hope the right hon. Lady will forgive me. I will use my first speech to speak about the Government amendments tabled in the name of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, which I commend to the House. I look forward to hearing about some of the amendments tabled…”

“I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.”

“Amendment 127, page 78, line 17, leave out paragraph 8 and insert—”

“(3) Before making modifications under this section, the Office of Rail and Road must give notice—”

“(a) stating that it proposes to make the modifications and setting out their effect,”

“(b) stating the reasons for proposing to do so, and”

“(c) specifying the period (not being less than 28 days beginning with the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed modifications may be made.”

“(4) A notice under subsection (3) is given—”

“(a) by publishing the notice in such manner as the Office of Rail and Road considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the notice to the attention of persons likely to be affected by the making of the modifications, and”

“(a) modifications by agreement;”

“(5) The Office of Rail and Road must consider any representations or objections which are made before the end of the period specified in the notice and not withdrawn.”

“(6) As soon as practicable after modifying the conditions of a licence under this section, the Office of Rail and Road must send a copy of the modifications to the Secretary of State and the Passengers’ Council.””

“This amendment would allow the Office of Rail and Road and Great British Railways to agree to modify conditions of the licence held by Great British Railways.”

“Amendment 124, page 64, line 5, leave out paragraphs 7 and 8.—(Keir Mather.)”

““11B Modification of Great British Railways’ licence by agreement”