Can I thank the Member for his questions and say at the outset that we've been absolutely consistent in calling for amendments to the railways Act to be made? I believe it was also part of the UK Labour Party's manifesto that would enable us to see public bodies bid for current franchise opportunities and future franchise opportunities as well. That consistent demand by the Government has been rejected, but we continue to press for the Act to be amended.

Constructive discussions have taken place on a whole raft of measures that need to be agreed prior to the functions Order being laid. The UK Government has delayed delivering that Order—tabling that Order—in a timely fashion, but we have been assured that that will take place by May, following the agreements that are due to be completed next month on the funding of the franchise, and also on the transfer of power over the assets. This will include a whole range of agreements that have previously been acting as a stumbling block for progress to be made, but progress, as I say, is being made in a timely fashion now. 

In terms of cross-border services, this is something that I'm particularly keen to ensure can be resolved amicably, and I and the Secretary of State have been able to agree on ways that will ensure that passengers on the English side of the border have equal treatment and an equal experience in terms of the journeys that they take on the trains in the next franchise, so that nobody is left disadvantaged under the next franchise. This is something that is particularly relevant given the mass of train journeys that take place in and out of Wales on a cross-border basis.

I would happily bring forward, after the discussions with UK Government have concluded in February, the affordability issues presented as a result of the outcome of the discussions that are taking place. We have engaged the UK Treasury, we've also engaged the Secretary of State for Wales in our discussions, and I'm confident that by the end of February, we will have concluded those discussions in a satisfactory manner.