§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, prior to the third reading of the Transport Bill, they will publish the draft directions and guidance which they propose to give to the Strategic Rail Authority under Clause 206 of that Bill. [HL3830]
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord Macdonald of Tradeston)We expect to consult on draft directions and guidance after Royal Assent to the Transport Bill and before the Strategic Rail Authority is formally established. The consultation will be a wide one and will include representatives of local government, PTAs/PTEs, passenger and freight interests, disabled people, trade unions and devolved administrations.
§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in issuing directions and guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority under Clause 206 of the Transport Bill, they will ensure that due cognisance is taken of local transport plans. [HL3831]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonYes. Our directions and guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority will cover the relationship between national, regional and local planning for the railway.
§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether any voluntary agreements between rail operators and local transport authorities, concerning the frequency and timing of services, currently exist; if so, what form they take; and whether such agreements as exist have been found acceptable by the Office of Fair Trading. [HL3833]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonInformation on direct agreements between rail operators and local transport authorities is not collected centrally. I understand that the Office of Fair Trading has not had any applications for a decision under the Competition Act in relation to such agreements.