Question to the Wales Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether he has had recent discussions with the Welsh Government on establishing a new Wales Rail Board to bring forward Welsh rail projects, including upgrading the North Wales mainline.

In response to a recommendation from the Welsh Affairs Select Committee, the UK and Welsh Governments agreed to establish a Wales Rail Board. The Board met for the first time in March and continues to meet regularly. It will establish a strategic programme with an agreed prioritisation for the future progression of rail schemes in Wales. This includes improvements to the North Wales main line for which we expect to receive an Outline Business Case from Network Rail early next year.