1.   I did not believe that there were large savings to be made simply from reducing the size of the rail network.

2.   Immediate improvements in the rail network, allowing more movement of goods and passengers by rail and less environmental damage.

3.   Most West European countries have embraced the concept of high-speed rail networks with enthusiasm.

4.   Rules were relaxed to allow the first privately owned locomotives unlimited access to the national rail network.

5.   The accident was blamed on an outdated rail network.

6.   The rail network can not soak up demand displaced from the roads.

7.   The state government retains the right to license other operators to run passenger and freight trains over the country rail network.

8.   This envisages greater private-sector investment, including concessions to run parts of the national rail network.

9.   The government wanted to dispose of its shares in the loss-making state rail network.

10.   The north-east of the country is ill-served by the rail network.