§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions she has had with the Scottish Executive regarding the proposed plans to redevelop a rail link between Edinburgh and the Scottish borders. [87761]
§ Mrs. LiddellFollowing approval in July of an Order under Section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998, the Scottish Parliament now has legislative competence for the promotion and construction of railways wholly within Scotland. I understand that the Scottish Executive has provided £2 million to the promoter, the Waverley Railway Partnership, to help towards the costs of securing the necessary parliamentary powers for reinstating a railway connection between Edinburgh and the central Borders.