Question S5W-16005: John Finnie, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, answered: 26/04/18

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-14852 by Humza Yousaf on 6 March 2018, what progress has been made in identifying the suitable public sector body to make a bid for the ScotRail franchise.

Humza Yousaf: As previously described, although a complex matter, I expect to make an announcement on the issue of a Public Sector Bidder for rail franchises in Scotland before summer recess and in line with the Programme for Government commitment.

Question S5W-16006: John Finnie, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, answered: 01/05/18

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the devolution of the functions of Network Rail.

Humza Yousaf: In his discussion with Jo Johnson MP, Minister of State for Transport on 27 March, the Minister for Transport and the Islands re-iterated the Scottish Government's long-held position that the Network Rail Scotland route should be fully devolved. Scottish Government officials have also had regular and detailed discussions with UK Government counterparts on the matter.

Changes to Network Rail's devolved structure should take place well in advance of the start of Control Period 6 in April 2019, and this point has been made to the UK Government on several occasions. Such lead in time is required to ensure that sufficiently robust governance and accountability is in place to manage the change from capital borrowing to capital grant. Also to maximise the efficiency and adaptability of the Network Rail route in Scotland as we enter the new Control Period.