WRITTEN RESPONSES TO RICHARD COMMISSION CONSULTATION
 

Letter received from Graig Community Council
dated 22 July 2003
Dear Sir,
Re: Consultation Document March 2003.
My Council wish to make the following specific recommendation in respect of additional powers for the Welsh Assembly Government.
We consider it anomalous that the WAG should have authority over other forms of transport excluding railways. Full powers over both passenger and freight traffic would be most beneficial to Wales, economically and socially. In the present financial climate for railways, it would also have the advantage that a proportion of the funds available for railways would be included in the block grant, to be spent in Wales, not elsewhere.
In respect of the perceived difficulties where the North - South Wales link passes through the borders with England, we would point out that a similar situation exists with the Council for London, where routes radiate out with its authority, seemingly without undue problems. This should be treated as a matter to overcome, rather than as a refusal for authority over railways in Wales to be granted.
Yours faithfully,
Clerk: J E Tomkins