Kevin - The problem with renationalisation is that EU law requires full compensation for Asset Value and profits to be paid.

Myself I would love to see the contracts returned to public ownership.

If the private contractors were made to go bankrupt unfortunatley the assets, and that includes the value of the contracts, would be sold on the open market by the receivers - There is little in law that the government can do.

If you doubt this I suggest that you look at the recent history of Railtrack' liquidation.

I would respectfully suggest that you confine your criticism to those who flogged off the assets for a quarter of the book value, and put accountants, not proffesional railway men in charge.

Gareth