§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary concerning the Strategic Rail Authority and its potential impact upon Wales; and if he will make a statement. [112022]
§ Mr. HillThe First Secretary has made representations on the railways provisions of the Transport Bill. The shadow Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has consulted the National Assembly for Wales in connection with proposals for franchise replacement. Wales will benefit, along with the rest of Great Britain, from the strategic and coherent direction which the SRA will bring to the railway industry. Specific Welsh concerns will be addressed by having a Welsh representative on the Authority and by consultation with the National Assembly both on that appointment and on the SRA' s strategies.