The privatized railways: problems foreseen

Abstract

This paper looks at the planning of privatization within government. It is based on the author's unique access to internal government papers in his role as the Official Historian of Privatization, as well as interviews with former ministers, government officials and industry management. The paper reveals that a number of the problems that have arisen since privatization were foreseen.*

^* The author was given access to internal government papers yet to be released for public inspection under the 30-year rule.

Keywords:

• Government
• privatization
• railways
• restructuring
• state subsidies

Notes

^* The author was given access to internal government papers yet to be released for public inspection under the 30-year rule.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

David Parker

David Parker is Emeritus Professor, Cranfield School of Management, UK.