All-Wales Rail Franchise (Hansard, 25 October 2001)

§ Lembit Öpik
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the timetable is for the establishment of a single all-Wales rail franchise; and if he will make a statement. [8643]

§ Mr. Jamieson
An announcement will be made in due course.

§ Lembit Öpik
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the Government's policy is on the establishment of a single all-Wales rail franchise; and if he will make a statement. [8644]

§ Mr. Jamieson
The draft Policy Statement on Passenger Rail Franchising issued on 16 July recognises that different approaches will be necessary to achieve the benefits we are looking for from different franchises.
The Strategic Rail Authority has proposed the creation of a single franchise for Wales. It is considering this alongside the other options for delivering benefits to rail passengers on Welsh routes.

§ Lembit Öpik
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effect of Railtrack's financial problems on the establishment of a single all-Wales rail franchise; and if he will make a statement. [8642]

§ Mr. Jamieson
We would not expect the establishment of a Welsh franchise to be affected by the High Court's decision to place Railtrack plc in railway administration.