To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 23 October 2006, Official Report, column 1533W, on congestion charging, what discussions he has held with Merseyside Passenger Transport Authority about road user charging. (98078)

During a visit to Merseyside on12 July this year, I met councillors and officers of the Merseyside authorities and Merseytravel to discuss the Transport Innovation Fund and matters including road user charging. Department for Transport officials have regular meetings with officers of the Merseyside authorities about the range of transport issues.