HC Deb 08 July 2003 vol 408 cc688-9W
John Thurso

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what responsibilities the Strategic Rail Authority has for the number of train movements in Scotland. [122752]

Mr. McNulty

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has a duty to promote rail use and drive the strategic agenda for developing the national railway infrastructure, of which the Scottish network is an integral part. Although responsibility for infrastructure and safety are reserved to Westminster, the Scottish Executive is responsible for funding and specifying services in Scotland provided under the ScotRail franchise. The Executive, together with the SRA is working towards the re-letting of the current franchise, which ends in 2004.

Mr. Terry Lewis

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the total public subsidy has been to the railways in each financial year from 1987–88 to 2002–03. [123828]

Mr. McNulty

I refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker) on 28 April 2003,Official Report, columns 7–10W.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the Strategic Rail Authority about services between London and Chesham and Amersham; and if he will make a statement. [123923]

Mr. McNulty

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not had any recent discussions with the Strategic Rail Authority about rail services between London and Chesham and Amersham.