Crossrail Bill

Like other Members of the Committee I will read carefully what the noble Lord, Lord Bassam, said. I do not believe that the Office of Rail Regulation is a soft touch; no one in Network Rail regards it as such. I am concerned that the Government allow it to be as independent as possible because then it will fulfil all the duties to which the noble Lord, Lord Hanningfield, referred. If responsibilities are blurred with the department, there is a danger that something might be left out. I shall be interested to read what the Minister has said and will perhaps comment more fully having digested it.