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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:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
