§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if the Strategic Rail Authority will have(a) the power and (b) the duty to draw up network development plans for main lines; [59680]
(2) what assessment he has made of capacity problems within the rail network. [59678]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonRailtrack is responsible for the stewardship of the railway network. Its 1998 Network Management Statement identifies the key locations on the network with current and predicted congestion problems. Railtrack has agreed with the Rail Regulator to complete an evaluation of options to address these capacity problems by 30 November.
The shadow Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) will start work on strategic planning of the network, as part of an integrated transport policy and as an input to the Rail Regulator's review of access charges. Subject to legislation, the statutory SRA will have a duty to formulate, and keep under review, a strategy for the operation and development of railways in Britain.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Strategic Rail Authority will be subject to the proposed freedom of information legislation. [59679]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonYes, subject to legislation.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is his policy to allow British Rail to bid for future rail franchises. [59675]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonSubject to legislation, the British Railways Board will become part of the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA). The SRA will let all new franchises and will act as the public sector operator of last resort. Meanwhile, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 30 September that we will enable the revitalised British Railways Board to step in if any of the franchises fails for whatever reason.