Commentary on Sections and Schedules Supplemental Section 57: Meaning of "Wales-only service" and "Welsh service"
180.Section 57 defines the meaning of "Wales-only service" and "Welsh service" for the purposes of the Act.
181.Section 57(1)(a) provides the geographical description of what constitutes a "Wales-only service".
182.Section 57(1)(b) enables the Secretary of State to make an order to exclude any services that would otherwise fall within the definition of "Wales-only service". This will enable the Secretary of State to decide whether or not any franchises that begin to provide Wales-only services should be let jointly with the NAW in accordance with Section 10(2). For example, First Great Western currently provides services between England and Wales, but does not provide any services that are Wales-only. If the franchisee began to provide Wales-only services the Secretary of State would decide whether or not it was appropriate for the NAW to be a party to the franchise and, if not, make an order to exclude the Great Western services from the definition of Wales-only.
183.Section 57(2) requires the Secretary of State to consult the NAW before making an order under section 56(1) (b).
184.Section 57(3) specifies the Parliamentary procedure that the Secretary of State must use to make an order under section 57(1) (b) - namely the negative resolution procedure.