§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made as to the benefits likely to accrue to Wales from a strategic rail authority. [59513]
§ Mr. HainThe Strategic Rail Authority will provide clear, coherent and accountable regulation of the network, ensuring that the railways are run in the interest of passengers and freight customers. The shadow SRA, which will be operational by next spring, will be an important first step in making sure that the railway companies deliver the service the public have a right to expect. There will be Welsh representation on both the shadow SRA and its statutory successor.