HC Deb 17 October 2001 vol 372 cc1156-7
4. Mr. Martin Caton (Gower)

What discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly on transport in Wales. [4194]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Don Touhig)

My right hon. Friend regularly meets the First Secretary of the National Assembly to discuss wide-ranging current issues affecting Wales, including transport.

Transport generally is a matter for the Assembly, although railways, air and ports remain, generally, the responsibility of the UK Government, working closely with the Assembly. I am keen to continue dialogue with the Assembly and Cabinet colleagues in order to determine how best we can meet the transport needs of Wales.

Mr. Caton

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that the people and economy of Wales were especially poorly served by Railtrack, until it was taken into administration 10 days ago? Will he undertake to work in partnership with the Assembly to press the new company when it is set up to invest in the rail infrastructure that we so badly need in Wales? In particular, will he emphasise the need to improve the track west of Cardiff, so that in the 21st century our inter-city trains move faster than Stevenson's Rocket on its first test run?

Mr. Touhig

As a regular user of the rail network, I understand—and share—the frustration passengers have had to put up with over past years. The Government are committed to working in close partnership with the Assembly and other stakeholders to improve the railway system. That is why, to achieve that improvement, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions has committed £30 billion to the network over the next 10 years.

Mr. Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire)

Given the difficulty experienced by Railtrack, will the Minister say what discussions he is having with the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions about the progress on the single rail franchise for Wales, and especially about improvements to the service in rural areas, such as the heart of Wales line that is so important to my constituency of Brecon and Radnorshire?

Mr. Touhig

Our colleagues in the Assembly attach considerable importance to developing the new Wales and borders rail franchise and the opportunities that will be derived from that for improving the whole rail structure and support in Wales. I have met my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and the Assembly's Minister for Environment, Sue Essex, to discuss the all-Wales franchise. We have also had a meeting with my right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport, and discussions are continuing. We hope to make progress.

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