§ 10. Hywel Williams (Caernarfon)What recent bilateral discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the Wales and Borders rail franchise. [89736]
§ The Secretary of State for Wales (Peter Hain)I have regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Transport about transport issues that affect Wales.
§ Hywel WilliamsDoes the Secretary of State acknowledge that the 20 per cent. cut that the Strategic Rail Authority demands would mean a real cut in services on vital lines such as the Cambrian coast line in my constituency? Earlier, he referred to the increase in investment in rail. If it is so good, why is the service so bad?
§ Peter HainI acknowledge that the hon. Gentleman properly raises some issues as a local MP, and we are dealing with them. However, we inherited a dreadful legacy from the Conservatives of a collapsing rail industry and under-investment. We are putting in a record amount of investment, which increases year by year, in rail in Wales, including west Wales, as well as elsewhere in Britain.