(Slough) (Lab):...As
the Minister said, the initial regulations provided a two-year
recognition period, which will last until 31 January 2022, so the
urgency of the matter is absolutely clear. However, I have some
concerns that I would like the Minister to address. The SI
stipulates that the ORR will continue not only to recognise the
European train driving licences within the channel tunnel zone,
but will ensure the issuing of British train driving licences.
Can the Minister say whether that arrangement will continue
when Great British
Railways comes into operation? Will the body that
will manage that entity have sufficient capacity to ensure that
those processes continue? Although the Shapps-Williams plan for
rail notes that the
“ORR’s existing role as safety regulator will continue”
some responsibilities will be taken on by Great British
Railways Considering that that new organisation
will be operable by 2023, I know that operators and drivers would
appreciate some clarity on the matter. Sadly, the proposed £2
billion cut to rail services does not fill me with confidence
about that...
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport ():...I note what the hon.
Member for Slough said about safety and clarity. As I said in my
opening remarks, the regulations are designed to support the
continued smooth operation of essential channel tunnel traffic.
They are designed to deliver long-term certainty, clarity and
confidence to cross-border operations now and into the future. He
also referred to the ORR—as a new Transport Minister, I am still
trying to learn all the abbreviations. I take on board his
comments, but in terms of the ORR and the Great British
Railways I think that strays into slightly
different territory beyond the regulations...
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