Byers 'doing a Jo Moore'

Transport Secretary Stephen Byers was today accused of "doing a Jo Moore" and trying to hide embarrassing information.

Last night his officials released a supplementary note of a meeting, and a minute, which took place between Mr Byers and Railtrack chief John Robinson on 25 July.

Mr Byers has told MPs Mr Robinson said at the meeting that unless the company received further huge amounts of government funding Railtrack would cease to be a going concern.

It was on this basis that Mr Byers forced Railtrack into administration. Mr Robinson denies he ever said any such thing. The notes, however, do not confirm what Mr Byers said Mr Robinson had reported - though they are not a verbatim or complete record.

A rail industry source said today: "They have done it again. Mr Byers has released the notes under the smokescreen of the Chancellor's statement knowing full well the matter would be buried."

A Transport Department spokesman said the supplementary note and minute of the 25 July meeting was released last night to meet a deadline set by the Commons Transport Committee. He added: "We have nothing to hide."

Shadow transport secretary Theresa May said the absence from the notes confirming Mr Byers's position "clearly calls into question whether he has misled the Commons" - a far more serious charge.

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