§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to create a strategic rail authority. [56323]
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§ Ms Glenda JacksonMy right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 30 September that a shadow Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) would lead changes to the way the privatised railway is controlled, in advance of legislation to establish the body on a statutory basis. The shadow SRA, formed by close working between the British Railways Board and the Franchising Director, will be operational by Spring 1999.
A new Chairman of the British Railways Board and a new Franchising Director will be appointed as soon as possible. Subject to legislation, the new BR Chairman and board will become the chairman and board members of the SRA. Following legislation, the new Franchising Director will become Chief Executive of the SRA.
We are committed to establishing a statutory SRA at an early opportunity.