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Channel Tunnel Rail Link (Supplementary Provisions) Bill

I am grateful to my noble friend for that full answer. He mentioned that the contents of Network Rail’s licence were effectively covered by the contract between the Secretary of State and the infrastructure manager. I have two questions. First, does it cover safety and standards, stewardship within the licence holders’ network, environmental matters, timetabling and all the other things to do with Network Rail’s licence? Secondly, and most important, is it in the public domain or will it be in the public domain? Network Rail’s contract is very much in the public domain, which is appropriate. My noble friend referred to Section 17 and said that the ORR can direct High Speed 1 to enter into a contract, but Section 17(1) of the 1996 Act states that it specifically cannot do that. I am not quite sure what that means. Section 17(1) states: "““No directions under section 17(1) of the Railways Act 1993 … may be given to a rail link undertaker in relation to a rail link facility””." That is why I have suggested that the clause should be removed.