To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what research the Rail Safety and Standards Board is undertaking; and how much that research (a) has cost to date and (b) is estimated to cost in total on completion. (314077)

The strategic research programme was launched by the Department for Transport in September 2008. Details of the research being undertaken are published on the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) website at:

www.rssb.co.uk

The specific costs of research are a matter for the RSSB and the hon. Member should contact:

Len Porter

Chief Executive

Rail Safety and Standards Board

Block 2

Angel Square

1 Torrens Street

London

EC1V 1NY

The Minister announced that the cost to complete the strategic research programme is £15 million from spring 2009 and will run for five and a half years.