Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.

Will the Minister state the philosophy behind the clause and say how it would apply to the transport of nuclear fuels, for example?

The clause is fairly clear. The national railway network crosses Crown land, and to ensure that British Transport police have full jurisdiction over matters relating to the railways, the Bill must confirm that they can cross that land. The clause extends the provision, for which Crown consent has been obtained, to railways crossing Crown land.

Whatever the substance, materials, people or goods involved, they are not affected by the clause.

If a railway crosses Crown land, is it owned by the Crown or by the company?

The clause gives jurisdiction over the land, whoever owns it, to the British Transport police and gives its officers the ability to pursue a person who has committed an offence on to Crown land.

For clarification, does the Crown own any railways?

I understand that the Crown does not own any railways.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 69 ordered to stand part of the Bill.