To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what criteria or job description he published with his advertisement for the new chair of the rail passengers advisory committee; and what consultation he had and what reports he had received relating to the work of the committee, and the position of its chairperson, from the Select Committee on Transport; [37404]
(2) how many applications, suggestions, or recommendation he received in respect of persons to be appointed chair of the rail passengers advisory committee; how many he shortlisted; and if he will make a statement concerning his method of filling this further vacancy. [37273]
Advertisements for the post of chairman of the Central Rail Users' Consultative Committee made clear to applicants the criteria needed for the post. An example of the advertisements has been placed in the House Library.Advertisements for the post were published in March, eliciting 147 applications, and 17 candidates were shortlisted for initial interview. Further advertisements were placed in September to broaden the field of candidates. An additional 235 applications have been received and are under consideration.The Select Committee on Transport has not reported on the work or chairmanship of the Central Rail Users' Consultative Committee.