§ 5. Mr. Elfyn Llwyd (Meirionnydd Nant Conwy)What representations he has received on the railway services available in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [108913]
§ The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Paul Murphy)I have received no representations on railway services in Wales. However, I have regularly discussed transport in Wales with the First Secretary and the Assembly Cabinet.
Transport generally is a matter for the National Assembly, although railways remain the responsibility of central Government, working closely with the Assembly on matters affecting Wales. I am keen to continue dialogue with the Assembly and Cabinet colleagues to determine how best to meet the transport needs of Wales.
§ Mr. LlwydI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. One of the National Assembly's duties is to prepare 937 an integrated and sustainable transport policy. How is it possible to do that when the Assembly has no input into policy on the railways?
§ Mr. MurphyThat is not quite right. Under the Transport Bill, which is going through the House, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions will accept that the Assembly has an interest in those matters. The Assembly will be consulted on the appointment of a member of the Strategic Rail Authority, which, in addition, will be compelled by law to consult the Assembly on its strategies. Nothing prevents the Assembly from discussing, or spending money on, the infrastructure of transport in Wales.
We can best deal with the problems of the railways in Wales through partnership between central Government and the National Assembly.
§ Mrs. Betty Williams (Conwy)Will my right hon. Friend press the case for travellers between Holyhead and London? We are confronted daily with poor stock, bad punctuality and the attendant problems of such a service. The service has been neglected for far too long and I encourage my right hon. Friend to press our case strongly to the First Secretary of the National Assembly.
§ Mr. MurphyI understand my hon. Friend's points. I have travelled on that line on several occasions, and I fully accept her case. The Assembly is committed to investing £500,000 next year in the north Wales coast rail service to improve line speeds.