Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what representations his Department received from the Welsh Government on the transfer of functions necessary to procure the next Wales and Borders rail franchise before the end of the existing franchise agreement.

The UK Government agreed in principle to devolve the Wales and Borders franchise in November 2014 so that the Welsh Government could lead on procurement of its replacement in October 2018. My officials have regular discussions with Welsh Government officials on rail franchise devolution issues. The Department will continue to work closely with the Welsh Government to facilitate its ongoing procurement process and to finalise the arrangements for the devolution of the Wales and Borders franchise, including transfer of franchising functions, over the next few months.