Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the Government expects to devolve legislative powers to the Welsh Assembly to procure and manage the Wales and Borders rail franchise.

The UK Government continues to work closely with the Welsh Government to facilitate its ongoing procurement process and finalise the arrangements for the devolution of the Wales and Borders franchise. The Statutory Instrument used to transfer executive powers in relation to franchising functions is expected to be laid this autumn.