I agree with Alistair Morton in relation to Railtrack's role in relation to large enhancement projects on the network. At present, Railtrack simply cannot cope with them. It does not have the financing capability and it does not have the internal resources. Railtrack must, as its first priority, get a better grip on the sustained core network. In the past, Railtrack produced an annual network management statement which was a catch all.
Some critics say that the document itself was designed to confuse rather than to inform.
That will not happen any more. The first part, due in May, will cover the sustained network. The second part will cover enhancement and will come later, to tie in with the Strategic Rail Authority's strategic plan. So, against that backdrop, Railtrack now have opportunities that must be grasped. I should like now to summarise my priorities for Railtrack and in the categories of delivery and customers and delivery to customers.