§ Ms ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons the general authority to the Rail Regulator issued under section 8 of the Railways Act 1993 prohibits him from granting licences to public sector operators other than subsidiaries of the British Railways Board; and if he will make a statement. [18486]
§ Mr. WattsBoth the Secretary of State and the regulator have statutory powers to grant licences under the Railways Act 1993. Decisions on the licensing of further public sector operators of passenger rail services can most appropriately be taken by the Secretary of State.