HC Deb 02 June 1997 vol 295 c59W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he plans to take to strengthen the regulatory framework for the railways. [1151]

Ms Glenda Jackson

We have made it clear that the regulation of the rail industry, and the sanctions available to the regulators, need to be strengthened. We have started a thorough review of rail regulation to identify exactly what improvements need to be made.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to amend the general authority given to the Rail regulator. [1134]

Ms Jackson

At present I have no plans to amend the general authority. We are currently conducting a thorough review of rail regulation to identify exactly what improvements need to be made.