§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what(a) powers and (b) responsibilities he plans to give to the Strategic Rail Authority in respect of the creation of new rail links and stations. [78266]
§ Dr. ReidSubject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary legislation, the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) will have broad powers to make payments, through grants or by contractual agreements, to achieve its objectives, including the creation of new rail links and stations. It will be able to support or oppose planning applications and orders.
The duties of the SRA will include the preparation of a strategic plan for the development of the railway, including improvements to the network. The SRA will work with other national, regional, and local organisations to promote rail within our integrated transport policy.