Railtrack could remain in administration until the end of the year, transport secretary Stephen Byers admitted yesterday.

Byers was criticised by MPs for a £350 million underspend in his department and the Downing Street appointment of Lord Birt to carry out a separate transport review.

When questioned about Lord Birt's position in Downing Street, Byers described the peer's unpaid job as something "to keep him occupied."

He went on to reiterate that the peer will have no influence over current policy. "Lord Birt is not involved in anything to do with the 10 year plan," he said.