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18/01/2005
Financial agreement sets Scotland's railways on track
Secretary of State for Transport Alistair Darling and Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell have published details of a financial agreement that will see around £325 million transferred from the Department for Transport to the Scottish Executive
The funding is intended to ensure that Scottish Ministers are able to carry out their new powers under the Railways Bill, which, once enacted, devolves to the Scottish Ministers powers to determine Scottish railway strategies; to let, monitor and manage the Scotrail franchise; and to specify rail infrastructure needs in Scotland. Only some functions - principally safety and the licensing of railway operators - will remain reserved to UK Ministers.
The Bill is currently before the Westminster Parliament and the Scottish Parliament will shortly begin to debate the associated Sewel Motion.
Mr Darling, said: "As I set out in last year's Rail Review, the Scottish Executive is to be given more power in determining its railway strategies and managing rail franchises. It is clear that the Scottish Executive is best placed to decide what is right for Scotland's railways.
"The significant funding transfer I am announcing today will enable the SE to carry out its new powers effectively and represents the Government's long term investment in and commitment to the railways."
(GB)
The funding is intended to ensure that Scottish Ministers are able to carry out their new powers under the Railways Bill, which, once enacted, devolves to the Scottish Ministers powers to determine Scottish railway strategies; to let, monitor and manage the Scotrail franchise; and to specify rail infrastructure needs in Scotland. Only some functions - principally safety and the licensing of railway operators - will remain reserved to UK Ministers.
The Bill is currently before the Westminster Parliament and the Scottish Parliament will shortly begin to debate the associated Sewel Motion.
Mr Darling, said: "As I set out in last year's Rail Review, the Scottish Executive is to be given more power in determining its railway strategies and managing rail franchises. It is clear that the Scottish Executive is best placed to decide what is right for Scotland's railways.
"The significant funding transfer I am announcing today will enable the SE to carry out its new powers effectively and represents the Government's long term investment in and commitment to the railways."
(GB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
