Will the responsibility for the procurement and management of cross-border routes in the new Wales and Borders rail franchise be determined according to the conditions detailed in the St David's Day agreement; that services primarily serving English markets will be placed into other franchises?
An In-principle agreement was reached to devolve the franchise in November 2014 before the St David's Day command paper was produced. The final terms of the devolved franchise are being developed, including how cross-border routes are procured and managed. The Transfer of Functions Order is being prepared and, subject to parliamentary procedures, will be ready for commencement during the second half of 2017. Whilst this is happening, we are proceeding with the procurement of the next franchise. Due to the cross border nature of the franchise, there will clearly need to be ongoing co-operation between the Welsh Government and Department for Transport. The devolution settlement will be acknowledging this and the details of the final agreement are still being worked through.