§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the potential for increased travel by rail. [82098]
§ Mr. MichaelOne of the main objectives of the Government's integrated transport policy is to encourage greater use of public transport, including rail. The National Assembly will be contributing to the work which the shadow Strategic Rail Authority has under way to develop a strategic plan for the railways.
Following the transfer of functions, responsibility for the regulation and financial support of rail services will remain with he Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.