§ 15. Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has met the First Secretary to discuss the Government's legislative programme and its impact on transport in Wales. [108925]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI have regular meetings with the First Secretary to discuss a wide range of issues including the impact of transport in Wales and my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State also meets regularly with the Assembly Secretary for Local Government, Environment and Transport and has discussed the Transport Bill with him.
The Transport Bill was introduced on 1 December 1999 and plays a key role in the implementation of the integrated transport strategy for England and Wales. Responsibility for many aspects of transport in Wales was transferred to the National Assembly for Wales on 1 July 1999. The main exceptions are railways, air and sea transport, which remain a central Government responsibility, working in close co-operation with the Assembly on matters affecting Wales. I am keen to continue dialogue with the Assembly and Cabinet colleagues in order to determine how best to meet the transport needs of Wales.