HL Deb 20 November 2001 vol 628 c130WA
Lord Bradshaw

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What distinction they propose to make between the powers of the Strategic Rail Authority and the powers of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions. [HL1273]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The Strategic Rail Authority is a non-departmental public body whose chairman and members are appointed by the Secretary of State. Accordingly, the Secretary of State is ultimately accountable to Parliament for the authority. The powers of the authority are conferred by Part IV of the Transport Act 2000. Under sections 206 and 207 of that Act the Secretary of State may give directions and guidance to the authority. Following public consultation on a draft (issued on 29 June 2001) the Secretary of State intends to issue such directions and guidance shortly.