Crossrail Bill

moved Amendment No. 1: 1: Clause 1, page 2, line 4, at end insert— ““( ) The nominated undertaker shall appoint a single infrastructure manager.”” The noble Lord said: Before I describe the amendments, I shall take a moment to thank those noble Lords who sat on the Select Committee. For 29 days, they listened and commented on the concerns of the many petitions deposited against the Bill. Their time and input have been vital to the scrutiny and development of the Bill as it passes through this House. One topic raised was the level of concern about the infrastructure management of each section of the railway, specifically the tunnel section. As the Select Committee highlighted in its report, the legislation around this topic is complex. However, under the Bill, it is entirely plausible that more than one company could become responsible for the infrastructure management of the Crossrail system. That would increase the complexity of the already multifaceted network of relationships and responsibilities shared between the promoter, undertaker, regulatory bodies and train companies involved. Ultimately, that would have a negative impact on efficiency and accountability and could increase costs. The purpose of the amendment is twofold. It ensures that a single infrastructure manager will be appointed to oversee the construction of Crossrail from end to end, and it is to ensure that there will be joined-up and clear accountability for infrastructure along the route. Both outcomes—I hope the Minister agrees—are of paramount importance to the timely and efficient construction of Crossrail. The Crossrail project will be Europe’s largest civil engineering project, costing just under £16 billion. It is important that we get the delivery right. As the Select Committee concluded, it would be a concern if more than one body were to be given infrastructure management responsibilities. Without the amendment being accepted, how can the Minister provide assurances that it is the Government’s intention to have a single infrastructure manager? How binding will the outcome of negotiations be? Will Parliament have an opportunity to consider the proposed arrangements before the Bill completes its passage through both Houses? Perhaps when the Minister responds, as I am sure he will, he will answer those pertinent questions for the benefit of the Committee. I beg to move.