§ Mr. MartlewTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce legislation establishing a strategic rail authority. [90055]
§ Mr. PrescottWe are making good progress in relation to the proposals for a Strategic Rail Authority and in making railway regulation more effective and accountable. The shadow Strategic Rail Authority has been operational from 1 April, and the new Rail Regulator takes up his appointment next week. We hope to introduce a Railways Bill shortly.