Commentary on Sections and Schedules Railway matters Section 22: Objective of ORR in relation to Crossrail
69.Section 22(1) provides that the objectives in section 4(1) of the Railways Act 1993 (which are the components of a general duty) shall, in relation to the Office of Rail Regulation (“ORR”), be treated as including the objective of facilitating the construction of Crossrail. Section 22(2) requires the ORR to consult the Secretary of State about the exercise of its duty in section 4(1) of the 1993 Act as modified by section 22(1).
70.Section 22(3) and (4) enable the Secretary of State to specify by order when section 22 ceases to have effect. This power is provided as there may be ambiguity concerning precisely when the construction phase of the Crossrail project should be regarded as having been completed. Such an order must be laid before Parliament after being made but is not subject to annulment.