§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what new railway agencies were introduced in London during(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98 and (d) 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [92401]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonNumerous new companies arose from railway privatisation, but with the possible exception of the Docklands Light Railway resulting from changes in company status, no new railway agencies were introduced in London over the period in question. The Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) and the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising (OPRAF) were established following enactment of the Railways Act 1993. On 1 April 1999, we launched the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority (SSRA), which is essentially the British Railways Board (BRB) and OPRAF working together. OPRAF and the BRB continue to exist as separate statutory entities with their own functions and responsibilities. The remits of ORR and the SSRA include London. The legislation required to establish the Strategic Rail Authority proper was introduced into the House of 717W Commons earlier this month and received its Second Reading on 19 July 1999, Official Report, columns 789–894.
The Docklands Light Railway Ltd. was created in 1986 as a company limited by guarantee to manage light rail services in east London. On 6 April 1997, operation and maintenance of the whole of DLR services was franchised for seven years to Docklands Railway Management Ltd., and the DLR assumed a new role as a holding company, ownership of which was transferred from London Docklands Development Corporation to the Secretary of State on 31 March 1998.