Railways

Debate between Tobias Ellwood and Simon Burns

Thursday 25th April 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Burns]

I am spoiled for choice, so I will give way to my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East.

[Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con)]

The important issue of whether ownership should be private or public has been raised, and I hope my right hon. Friend will assure me that he agrees that railways in private ownership are better run than those in public ownership. Certain countries in Europe, however, still have a tight grasp of public ownership of their railways, and I therefore hope he will encourage liberalisation of the market so that private companies can invest into markets throughout Europe.

[Mr Burns]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and he can certainly have that assurance. We lead the way in Europe on liberalisation of the rail market, followed closely by the Dutch, the Swedish and the Germans, seeking to—