Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether Great British Railways or the Office of Rail and Road will be responsible for (a) granting and (b) monitoring open access rail applications under the new rail structure.

The Government has consulted on establishing GBR as a new directing mind for the railway, able to take access and charging decisions in the public interest in a framework based in primary legislation. As set in the consultation, new statutory duties will ensure that GBR access decisions are transparent and accountable, enabling fair treatment for all operators wishing to access the GBR-managed network. The ORR will ensure fair access to the GBR managed network through a robust appeals process. The Government will respond to the consultation in due course.