To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the responsibilities of Ministers and Government Departments for electoral systems and electoral arrangements relating to elections for (a) councils, (b) the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly, (c) the European Parliament, (d) the London Assembly and future English regional assemblies and (e) the House of Commons, with particular reference to consideration of proposals for review and reform. [62958]

Ministerial responsibility for policy, including for reform and modernisation, on election matters is for:

the Lord Chancellor for House of Commons and European Parliament elections in England and Wales, and for co-ordination on UK-wide electoral matters;

the Deputy Prime Minister for elections to English, and to the extent issues are not devolved Welsh, councils, the Greater London Authority, and any future English regional assembly;

the Secretary of State for Scotland for all elections in Scotland. other than those for councils, which is a devolved matter;

the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for all elections in Northern Ireland; for all elections in Northern Ireland;

the Secretary of State for Wales for Welsh Assembly elections.

All these responsibilities are exercised in consultation with the Electoral Commission, which is accountable through the Speaker's Committee to the House of Commons.

To ask the Prime Minister for what reason the Ministerial Committee on the Intelligence Services has not been asked to endorse the UK's Requirements and Priorities for Secret Intelligence. [65152]

The UK's requirements for secret intelligence are submitted to the Ministerial Committee on the Intelligence Services each year for endorsement.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on paragraph 30 of the Intelligence and Security Committee annual report 2001–02 with specific reference to the resources available to the Interception of Communications Commissioner. [65151]

As stated in the Government Response to the Intelligence and Security Committee's annual report for 2001–02, officials are discussing with the Commissioner what extra resources would be required to deal with the anticipated increase in work. The Government will make available to the Commissioner an appropriate level of resources to enable him to carry out his responsibilities.

To ask the Prime Minister what proposals he has for a national energy research centre. [65093]

The Department for Trade and Industry has lead responsibility on this issue.The establishment of a national energy research centre was a key recommendation of the review of Government support for energy research led by the Chief Scientific Adviser last autumn. Like all the other recommendations of that review, it was incorporated into the report of the Performance and Innovation Unit's wider review of energy policy published on 14 February. The Government intend to set out their response to that report in a White Paper around the turn of the year.In the meantime, the Research Councils are developing detailed proposals for an energy research centre in consultation with the Chief Scientific Adviser and other interested parties. These would form part of a broader proposal for sustainable energy research.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment he has made of the reliability of rail services to west Cornwall. [63721]

The Strategic Rail Authority produces performance figures for each of the train operating companies in its publication 'On Track'. The latest version was published on 6 June and has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to provide (a) rail and (b) LRT services to towns that have neither. [63723]

The Strategic Rail Authority's Strategic Plan sets out priorities for development of the national rail network. In addition to national strategic priorities it includes increased funding for the Rail Passenger Partnership scheme, which is available to support local schemes. It is for local authorities to promote, through the Local Transport Plan process, the public transport modes best suited to their area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to encourage the greater use of bus travel within Worcester. [63724]

The Secretary of State provides funding to Worcestershire County Council to implement its Local Transport Plan. The first annual progress report on the Local Transport Plan includes a draft bus strategy which provides more detail on how the Council will be developing their bus services. Recent initiatives which have been implemented in Worcester include:

• Park and Ride—the first of three proposed sites opened in May 2001,
• Bus access scheme—Angel Street, and
• Bus quality partnership—Worcester to Eckington.

:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress he has made in his review of fuel duty rebate for providers of bus passenger services. [63725]

Work is under way on the review of bus subsidies, including fuel duty rebate, announced in the April Budget. We will take this forward over the coming months. It will build on ongoing work by the Commission for Integrated Transport, due to conclude in the autumn, and other related studies. It will also invite views from other interested bodies.

:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the likely impact of the fuel duty rebate introduced in May for community transport services. [63744]

Over 320 community transport organisations have already applied for eligibility to receive fuel duty rebate. Eligible organisations will be making their first claims for payment this autumn. This funding will enable the improvement and expansion of services which have an important role in improving accessibility and combating social exclusion.

:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what alternatives to speed cushions his Department is investigating. [63726]

The Department has an extensive programme of road safety research covering a wide range of topics including development and evaluation of a variety of road humps and traffic calming works designed to reduce road accidents and encourage improved driving styles. Full details of current research and summaries of results of completed research are provided in a Road Safety Research Compendium, which is available on the Department's website and in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to change the policy in relation to the use of speed limit repeater signs; and if he will make a statement. [65781]

Local authorities are required to sign all speed limits where the speed limit has been created by way of a speed limit order. The exemptions are where the road is a restricted road (30mph indicated by a system of street lighting) where repeater signs are strictly prohibited, or on roads where the national speed limit applies.However, we are looking at signing as part of the overall package on developing improved speed management. The issue of speed limit repeater signs will form part of our considerations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance he gives on the visibility of speed cameras. [65780]

Visibility rules for those areas participating in the safety camera netting off scheme were announced on 3 December 2001. These state that fixed site camera housings should be clearly signed and made visible by being painted or marked in yellow. Mobile enforcement units should also be clearly marked and visible to drivers. Areas currently outside the netting off scheme would need to comply with all the visibility requirements as a condition of joining.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on incidences of trespass and vandalism on the railways. [63729]

Trespass and vandalism is a serious problem for the railways.It is very disappointing that over half of all train incidents are due to vandalism. The Government are pleased that all sections of the rail industry recently came together in the National Route Crime Group to examine and promote ways of tackling trespass and vandalism on the railways.

:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his assessment is of the impact on congestion of children being driven to school. [63730]

16 per cent. of cars on urban roads at 8.50 am in term time in 1998–2000 were taking children to school. This is a reduction from 20 per cent. in 1995–97. We have asked local authorities to include strategies for further reductions in their local transport plans and have increased funding for associated measures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with Railtrack concerning the redevelopment of the transport interchange at Gourock station. [63731]

None. I understand that the Scottish Executive is working with the promoting authorities for the scheme to try to find the way forward. Signal design and engineering resources remain at a premium within the rail industry although Railtrack and the Strategic Rail Authority are taking steps to address the shortage.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the ability of current airport capacity to meet demand for air travel over the next 10 years. [63732]

We are currently finalising a series of regional consultation documents on airports and air services, between them covering the whole of the UK, which we intend to publish shortly. These consultation documents include an assessment of current airport capacity to meet demand for air travel up to 2030, and identify the capacity enhancements which might be required over that period under a range of policy scenarios.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the trends in train punctuality over the last five years. [63733]

Between 1997 and 2000 the rolling annual average Public Performance Measure (PPM). which measures punctuality and reliability, slowly declined from about 90 per cent. to 86 per cent. as the number of train kilometres ran (passengers and freight) increased by some 20 per cent. Punctuality and reliability fell sharply after Hatfield due, in large part, to the temporary speed restrictions imposed to deal with gauge corner cracking and other rail defects. The rolling annual average PPM fell to 75 per cent. though it is now rising. The Strategic Rail Authority is working with the rail industry to achieve substantial, lasting improvements in performance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve the reliability of train services in London. [63734]

It is a primary objective for the Strategic Rail Authority to work with the rail industry to achieve substantial lasting improvements in performance. £400 million has been allocated to a new Rail Performance Fund set up to co-invest with rail companies in short-term schemes to improve reliability for passengers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to encourage the opening of new suburban rail stops in the Leeds area. [63735]

The Rail Passenger Partnership scheme administered by the Strategic Rail Authority helps fund new or enhanced rail services or facilities, including stations.I understand that the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (PTE) has commissioned a study into five potential new stations as part of the proposed new Northern franchise.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next expects to meet the chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority to discuss the development of high speed rail links. [63736]

The Strategic Rail Authority's study into the need for and viability of a high speed line running between London and the North of England and Scotland is due to be completed later this year. The Chairman of the Authority will report the findings to Ministers at that time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in transferring freight traffic to railways in the past five years. [63737]

Our policy is to help establish an integrated, sustainable freight distribution system to support economic growth and bring social and environmental benefits. In the past five years, the amount of rail freight moved has grown by 30 per cent., including 9 per cent. in the past year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on transatlantic air services. [63738]

The UK Government is keen to liberalise the UK-US Air Services Agreement as we would like consumers to benefit from increased competition and airlines to benefit from improved access to the world's largest market. But that competition has to be on fair terms. We are currently reviewing a range of options that are open to us.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received regarding road user charging. [63739]

We have received various representations, reflecting various points of view.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on safety improvements to the A303. [63740]

:A number of safety improvement schemes have recently been undertaken on the A303. The Highways Agency continues to monitor the safety record of this and other trunk roads and, if further improvements are needed, they will be added to the Agency's programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the railways' ability to raise private finance. [63741]

The 10-Year Plan for Transport and the SRA Strategic Plan have projected a total amount of private sector investment in rail of around £34 billion over the 10 years to March 2011. This investment will be supported and levered in by £33.5 billion of public sector funding for rail.We remain confident that this level of private investment will be delivered, indeed over £7 billion has already been committed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to consult on the future of airports in Great Britain. [63742]

We are currently finalising a series of regional consultation documents on airports and air services between them covering the whole of the UK, which we intend to publish shortly; these documents will seek views on the future development of airports and air services in each region over the next 30 years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to expand light railway and tram schemes. [63743]

Our 10-Year Plan reflects our commitment to light rail in major cities. However, whether light rail offers the most appropriate and cost-effective response to local transport needs is a matter, in the first instance, for the local authorities concerned, to consider while formulating and reviewing their Local Transport Plans. Thereafter, any light rail scheme or other major transport project would need to undergo rigorous appraisal, and examination under any relevant statutory procedures, before funding approval could be considered.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received about changing the law on pupil overcrowding on scheduled bus services. [63745]

We have received no recent representations, other than the parliamentary questions tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Monmouth at the end of last year, which dealt with overcrowding on a bus route in Monmouth and related matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) statutory duty and (b) guidelines have been given to fire authorities on giving fire safety advice to the public. [60439]

I have been asked to reply.Fire authorities have a statutory duty under The Fire Services Act 1947 1(1)(f) to secure efficient arrangements for the giving, when requested, of advice in respect of buildings and other property in the area of the fire authority as to fire prevention, restricting the spread of fires, and means of escape in case of fire.In addition to this, we intend to introduce a duty on fire authorities to secure efficient arrangements for providing advice, assistance and encouragement in respect of the steps to be taken to prevent fires in their area and to prevent the death of, or injury to, any person being caused by such a fire. This will form part of a Regulatory Reform Order, which will be out for consultation shortly.The National Community Fire Safety Centre was established in 1998 to provide a resource for brigades in community fire safety work, whose toolbox gives guidance on advising the public on fire safety issues as well as examples of best practice.

Authority	Scheme	Type
1998
West Yorkshire PTA	East Leeds Quality Bus Project	Guided
1999
Bradford	A641 Manchester Road Quality Bus Project	Guided
West Midlands PTA	Town Centre Strategy	Infrastructure

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action the Government are taking to tackle fuel fraud; and how much has been allocated to this task in the last three years. [62944]

I have been asked to reply.Following consultation in the November 2001 pre-Budget report, the Chancellor announced in the Budget a comprehensive strategy to tackle the rising problem of oils fraud including the release of additional resources in 2002–03 to enable the effective enforcement of these new controls, involving the deployment of more staff and investment in new technology. Details of this are contained in the Budget 2002 Press Notice, HMG 2, published on 17 April.Customs' estimate of officers wholly dedicated to the oils sector over the last three complete financial years is:

	Dedicated oils officers
1999–2000	172
2000–01	253
2001–02	285

These officers assure and assist compliant traders and also tackle those who seek to evade revenue through fraudulent activities.In addition, multi-functional Customs officers undertake a range of activities in their areas of responsibility including work in the oils sector. It is not possible to separate the time spent by these officers on oils work alone.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research his Department has carried out as to the cost of running a private motor car within the Greater London area. [65053]

The average expenditure on motoring per car per week for people living in Greater London, averaged over the period 1998–99 to 2000–01, was £54.30.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what bus priority schemes have been introduced since 1997, giving (a) the date of introduction of the scheme and (b) the body introducing and responsible for the scheme, distinguishing between (i) guided bus systems, (ii) infrastructure improvements and (iii) other schemes. [64967]

[holding answer 27 June 2002]: Since 1997 we have approved or provisionally approved the following bus-based major local transport schemes in England outside London. The table lists the schemes, their type, the local authority and the year of approval.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who is selecting the initial non-executive board members of Network Rail; and who has selected the member organisations of Network Rail. [66053]

The appointments of directors and members are for Network Rail to determine.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reason the bridging loan to Network Rail is shown on the balance sheet of the Strategic Rail Authority; what assets the Strategic Rail Authority has to back the loan; what consultations took place with the European Commission about whether this loan should be included in Government accounts; and to whom the loss is charged if there is default on the loan. [65486]

The Comptroller and Auditor General. in his capacity as statutory auditor of the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), has concluded that Network Rail should be accounted for as a subsidiary of the SRA. At the same time, the Office for National Statistics has confirmed that Network Rail—once its board has been confirmed by its members—would not be classified as a public sector organisation. The ONS classification is based upon the European System of Accounts 1995.The contingent credit facility has been notified as a potential state aid to the European Commission, and it set out in the statutory contingent liability minute laid before Parliament on 27 June. As a contingent liability, the credit facility would only score as public expenditure in the extremely unlikely event of it being drawn.The assets of the SRA were outlined in its 2000–01 annual report and will be updated in its 2001–02 annual report to be published shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many deaths and serious injuries there were in road accidents in 2001; and if he will make a statement. [66466]

Provisional figures, published in June, show that there were 3,443 people killed and 37,094 seriously injured on the public roads in Great Britain in 2001.This year, despite our firm commitment to improving road safety, it is sad to see an increase in the number of road deaths when both serious and slight injuries have continued to fall. We will he looking to see if there are identifiable reasons for this year's increase in the number of road deaths.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place copies of the Highways Agency delay indicator maps in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [66213]

The Highways Agency's annual report for 2000–01 contains on page 39 the latest version of a map depicting stress levels on the trunk road network. The annual report was published on 31 January 2002 and copies were placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what road schemes will be proposed in the next round of local transport plan annual progress reports; and if he will make a statement; [66301](2) when the next set of local transport plan annual progress reports will be published; and if he will make a statement. [66300]

Our guidance to authorities makes clear that local transport plan annual progress reports for 2001–02 should be made available to the public and easily obtainable at a reasonable cost. The reports are required to be submitted to my Department by English local authorities outside London by 31 July 2002 as are any proposals for new major local transport schemes. When received, both the reports and any bids for new major schemes will be considered as part of the determination of local transport capital settlement for 2003–04.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the next progress report on the Ladbroke Grove rail inquiry part I will be published; and if he will make a statement.[66307]

On 29 April 2002, the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) stated that in future it will report progress on all 295 public inquiry recommendations in a single report under eight broad headings. This will include the Southall inquiry, so far as it is still relevant, the joint inquiry into Train Protection Systems, and the two Ladbroke Grove inquiries. The HSC plan to publish this report in November 2002.The HSC and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will continue to track action on each recommendation to ensure that none are overlooked. The HSC believes that presenting the information in this format will help everyone involved to gain a better appreciation of the overall safety benefits being delivered as well as sharpening focus on the key issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) guidance has been given to local authorities and (b) legislation is in place covering (i) uncompetitive practices, (ii) improving integration and timetabling, (iii) regulation and de-regulation and (iv) quality partnerships for local bus services; and if he will make a statement. [66004]

My Department's guidance to local authorities on Local Transport Plans covers many of these matters. It emphasises the need for bus policies and provision to be integrated with other transport policies and encourages through-ticketing, better connections and co-ordination of services. Good practice guidance partnerships and on public transport interchange have been produced on our behalf by consultants. The Office of Fair Trading will shortly be issuing guidance on the ticketing schemes block exemption and the application of the competition test contained in the Transport Act 2000, for the benefit of both local government and bus operators.The relevant legislation is Part II of the Transport Act 2000. chapter I of Part I of the Competition Act 1998 and the Competition Act 1998 (Public Transport Ticketing Schemes Block Exemption) Order 2001 (SI 2001 No. 319). Other legislation on the regulation of buses is in the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 and the Transport Act 1985.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the stations which are not accredited under the secure stations scheme, indicating the total number of passengers using those stations used by more than 100,000 passengers each year; and if he will make a statement. [66003]

The secure stations scheme is voluntary.Currently 143 stations are accredited under the scheme. Approximately one third of annual national rail passenger journeys involve these stations. Some TOCs are committed to seeking accreditation for all their stations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 25 June 2002, Official Report, column 775W, on quiet lanes, what the total length of roads designated as quiet lanes is for each local authority; and what proportion of these roads is within each road classification. [66065]

The information required to answer the question is not recorded centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reason preferred bidder status was conceded to contractors for the London Underground PPP before closing major parts of the deal; and if he will assess the costs and benefits of reducing competition before final agreements were reached. [65480]

The negotiation of the PPP contracts is a matter for London Underground. However, I understand that, in line with guidance from the Office of Government Commerce, preferred bidder decisions were taken at the time they were because it was judged that the advantages to be gained from maintaining competitive tension were outweighed by the disadvantages of higher procurement costs and an increased risk of bids being withdrawn.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) whether the seven-and-a-half-year review of the 30-year PPP contract for the London Underground is an upwards only review; and what extra costs may fall on his Department for cost overruns; [65482](2) what price protection London Underground Ltd has for the 22.5 years for which pricing is not yet established under the PPP; and what the cost is of contract termination provisions of periodic review. [65587]

In line with the provisions of the GLA Act 1999, the Secretary of State for Transport intends to appoint an independent arbiter. At periodic reviews, the arbiter has the power to set prices at a level appropriate for an economic and efficient infrastructure company. Prices set by the arbiter at these reviews could be either higher or lower than those currently expected. At this stage, it is not possible to say either by how much or in which direction they might vary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much will be invested in the tube under the London Underground PPP; how much of this comes from the private sector; and how much of the private sector contribution the Government have guaranteed to pay back. [65484]

Under our plans for modernising the London Underground, private sector infrastructure companies will carry out an investment and maintenance programme that is expected to amount to at least £16 billion over the first 15 years of the contracts. This will be funded through a combination of private finance and payments from London Underground. The payments London Underground make will vary in line with the level of performance the infrastructure companies deliver. In total, we expect some £6.2 billion in private finance to be raised in the first 15 years.The Government will not guarantee any private sector finance. However, the Secretary of State does intend to issue a letter of comfort in relation to the London Underground PPPs. This is intended to clarify his role in relation to the Greater London Authority and Transport for London, including his intentions towards providing funding for London Underground. This letter of comfort was reported to Parliament using the Minute procedure on 20 March 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the rate of return the private consortia will earn on the London Underground PPP; and what assessment he has made of the fees earned by the financial and legal consultants engaged on developing the PPP. [65485]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) on 14 May 2002,Official Report, columns 522–23W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which business men advised the Government to adopt the structure chosen for the tube PPP; which companies they worked for; and who they work for now. [66495]

The Government sought a wide range of views before deciding to proceed with the manifesto commitment to modernise the underground through a Public Private Partnership.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what safety requirements are imposed on (a) bus operators and (b) train operators to secure luggage to avoid it hitting passengers when (i) braking and (ii) cornering. [65634]

[holding answer 1 July 2002]:(a) Regulation 100 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 requires that the load carried by a motor vehicle shall at all times be so secured, if necessary by physical restraint other than its own weight, and be in such a position, that neither danger nor nuisance is likely to be caused to any person or property by reason of the load or any part thereof falling from that vehicle.The Public Service Vehicles (Conduct of Drivers, Inspectors, Conductors and Passengers) Regulations 1990 require that anyone taking a cumbersome or bulky article or one that may cause an annoyance to another passenger shall place it on the vehicle where either the driver, inspector or conductor recommend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment his Department has made of evidence received as to whether seat belts would (a) save lives and (b) limit injuries in (i) train and (ii) bus crashes. [65638]

[holding answer 1 July 2002]: The use of seat belts in buses for non-urban operation is estimated by the Department to reduce fatal and serious injuries to seated passengers by 30– cent.The Department has made no such assessment on the fitting of seat belts to trains. However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which is responsible for monitoring and enforcing safety on the railways, advises that although the use of properly fitting seat belts could in certain circumstances protect passengers in a train accident, it is not persuaded that the fitting of seat belts in trains is a reasonably practicable safety precaution. While some passengers may use seat belts voluntarily, there would be little point in fitting them without reasonable expectation that they would be relatively widely used.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what statutory requirements there are for drug and alcohol screening tests for employees of transport companies. [65789]

There are no statutory screening tests for employees of transport companies.The Government are aware that many transport operators already have strict policies that may include screening programmes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to introduce drug screening tests alongside breathalysers for traffic offences. [65790]

Drug screening is already used by the majority of police forces who have trained officers in the techniques of drug recognition and tests of impairment. Devices that detect the presence of drugs chemically are being developed and tested by a number of commercial companies. If these prove successful and appropriate, they may be used to assist the police at the roadside. Under current legislation the police do not have the same power to test drivers at the roadside for possible drugs as they do for alcohol. It is the Government's intention to amend the legislation to enable this.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, (1) pursuant to his statement of 27 June, what his estimate is of the value of the relief to be offered to Railtrack Group PLC in respect of corporation tax on capital gains; [66508](2) pursuant to his statement of 27 June, whether Railtrack employees with shares in Railtrack Group will be exempt from capital gains tax on the realisation of their shares, pursuant to the proposals from Network Rail. [66507]

:The Government have been advised that Railtrack Group should be able to take advantage of the exemptions referred to in paragraphs 24 and 25 of the Non-Statutory Contingent Liability minute laid before the House of Commons on 27 June. This would ensure that, in all likelihood, Railtrack Group incurs no tax liability as a result of the Railtrack plc disposal.

:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the projects given in Railtrack's Network Management Statement 2001 that, by the end of March 2002, had (a) been completed, (b) been started but not completed, indicating the expected completion date and (c) not been started, indicating the expected start date. [66601]

:Railtrack advise that details of the work identified in the 2001 Network Management Statement (NMS) against details of work that has been completed, started but not completed, and of work that has not been started, will form a paper to be published as part of an update to the 2001 NMS. It is expected that this will be published in the summer of 2002.

:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what duty is placed on the administrators of Railtrack PLC to provide accurate and timely information to Railtrack Group. [66529]

:This is a matter for the Administrators who are Officers of the High Court.

:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on (a) the timing, (b) the responsibility for and (c) the basis of preparation of the asset maintenance plan. [66534]

Railtrack's duties in respect of asset maintenance are primarily those set out in its network licence, in particular Conditions 7 and 24. Railtrack also has duties set out in regulated track access agreements with train operating companies. Railtrack produced asset maintenance plans for civil engineering (track and structures) in 1998 and for signalling assets in 1999. These formed critical inputs to the Rail Regulator's periodic review of access charges which concluded in October 2000. Railtrack also must produce a Network Management Statement (NMS) annually, in compliance with Condition 7 of its network licence. The NMS sets out how the company will manage the operation, efficiency and capability of its assets to meet the reasonable requirements of its customers.

:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the Government's appeal against the decision of the European Court of Human Rights on the banning of night flights will be heard; and if he will make a statement. [65565]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Loughborough (Mr. Reed) on 19 December 2001, Official Report, columns 519–20W. The Judgment of the Third Section of the Court, issued on 2 October 2001, would not require a ban on night flights. The hearing before the Grand Chamber of the Court in the case of Hatton and Others v. the United Kingdom is scheduled for 9 October 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received on noise relating to night flights at East Midlands airport. [65563]

I and my Department received over recent months a substantial number of personal and written representations on this subject, some advocating and others opposing designation of the airport for the purpose of imposing night restrictions.

:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research he has conducted into improving the pedestrian environment for the disabled; if he will place a copy of results in the Library; and if he will list schemes introduced in the last two years to improve the pedestrian environment for the disabled. [66613]

:My Department has carried out a wide range of research over a number of years aimed at improving access to the pedestrian environment for disabled people. Research findings have been disseminated in the form of guidance for local authorities and others.We are currently finalising a comprehensive guidance document based on research to establish best practice in providing for disabled people both in the pedestrian environment and in transport infrastructure. "Inclusive Mobility—A Guide to Best Practice on Pedestrian and Transport Infrastructure" has been produced by my Department with support from Transport for London, the Institution of Highways and Transportation, the County Surveyor's Society, the Association of Transport Co-ordinating Officers and the Passenger Transport Executive Group. The guidance will help local authorities and transport providers to understand and fulfil their duties under Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1985. I will place a copy in the Library when it is published.We do not hold details of individual schemes that have been introduced by local authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the statement by the right hon. Member for Tyneside, North (Mr. Byers), Official Report, 20 November 2001, column 178, on Heathrow Terminal 5, when he will open the consultation on extending the night quota period; and if he will make a statement. [65567]

We aim to commence consultation on all aspects of the next night noise regime for the BAA London airports before the end of this year. It is likely to be a two stage process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the statement by the right hon. Member for North Tyneside, Official Report, 20 November 2001, column 178, on Heathrow Terminal 5, if he will make a statement on Government policy on the limit on the number of flights at Heathrow when Terminal 5 at Heathrow is built. [65566]

The Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions imposed a condition on the planning consent for Heathrow Terminal 5, requiring that from the date the core terminal building opens for public use, the number of occasions on which aircraft may take-off or land at Heathrow shall not exceed 480,000 during any period of one year.

Company name	Activity	Issued share capital	Percentage SRA control
BRB (Residuary) Ltd.	Custodian of property, rights and liabilities previously belonging to the British Railways Board.	1	100
Rail Documentation and Drawing Services Ltd.	Custodian of rolling stock drawing and documents.	1	100
DoA Ltd.	DoA Ltd. was acquired by SRA Investment Company Ltd. on 1 October 2001 for £1 from the former DTLR. DoA Ltd. holds deeds of assumption with passenger transport executives (PTEs) requiring the repayment of capital sums and interest to the PTEs.	1	100
SRA Investment Company Ltd.	On 1 July 2001, the authority acquired SRA Investment Company Ltd.for the purpose of holding shares in new ventures in which the authority has an interest. It currently has a 100 per cent. holding in DoA Ltd. and a 50 per cent. holding in Cross London Rail Links Ltd.	100	100
Cross London Rail Links Ltd.	On 1 August 2001. the SRA Investment Company. together with Transport Trading Ltd. acquired Cross London Rail Links Ltd. This is a joint venture for the purpose of undertaking development and design work for two new train routes across London.	100	50
Bridge Rail Ltd.	Dormant	1	100
British Rail Engineering Ltd.	Dormant	1.000.000	100
British Rail Ltd.	Dormant	1	100
British Railways Board Ltd.	Dormant	1	100
British Transport Hotels Ltd.	Dormant	9.582,537	100
Britravel Nominees Ltd.	Dormant	100	100
Cross Channel Catering Ltd.	Dormant	100	100
Crossrail Ltd.	Dormant	2	100
Goldings Rail Ltd.	Dormant	1	100

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the cost of the West Coast Main Line upgrade; and if he will make a statement. [66549]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 8 May 2002, Official Report, column 2 I 6W, to the hon. Member for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale (Mr. Duncan).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria he used to determine that East Midlands Airport should not be designated under section 78 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982 in relation to night flights. [65564]

The decision not to designate the airport is explained in my letter of 18 June to North West Leicestershire district council. I have placed a copy of that letter in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what meetings he or his predecessor had with representatives of North West Leicestershire district council prior to his decision not to designate East Midlands airport under section 78 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982 in relation to night flights. [65562]

I met representatives of North West Leicestershire district council, along with others, on 13 November last, to discuss this matter. Subsequently the Department also received further written representations from the council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the (a) subsidiary companies, (b) agencies and (c) other boards to the Strategic Rail Authority, giving their (i) responsibilities, (ii) powers and (iii) current turnovers. [66596]

The Strategic Rail Authority has the following subsidiaries:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the start of construction works on the southern extension of the East London Line. [64294]

London Underground are currently undertaking advance works on the northern extension. The Strategic Rail Authority, together with Transport for London and London Underground, is looking at the programme for the project as a whole, including the southern extension, as part of a project review. The review should be completed in the autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to improve co-ordination between local bus and rail services in West Sussex. [66146]

As part of the Government's Local Transport Plan process, West Sussex county council are introducing a number of initiatives through their plan to improve links between bus and rail services. These include the upgrade of 6 interchange stations (at Worthing, Chichester, Three Bridges, Haywards Heath, Crawley and Horsham), improvements to Railbus links, particularly with new housing developments, and the introduction and improvement of Passenger Information Terminals and freephone telephone links to the County's travel information line.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has held with local authorities regarding a new statutory duty for coastal emergency planning. [63748]

As part of the review process which culminated in the publication of the revised "National Contingency Plan for Marine Pollution from Shipping and Offshore Installations" in January 2000, officials of my Department engaged in discussions, in a working group which included representatives of local authorities, on the subject of a statutory duty to plan for shoreline clean-up and to implement such plans following marine pollution incidents.More recently, the issue of emergency planning has been addressed in the Government's Emergency Planning Review. In the event of a generic statutory emergency planning duty being introduced under new legislation following that Review, the question would arise as to whether such a duty should apply to coastal local authorities' preparation of contingency plans for shoreline clean-up.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to promote safer driving. [63727]

One of our key road safety goals is to improve the standard of driving and our road safety strategy sets out a number of measures to achieve this. In particular we want to ensure that drivers obtain better skills and gain more experience before they take the driving test.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 25 June 2002, Official Report, column 776W, on quiet road surfacing, if he will list the proportion of quiet road surfacing in each case according to road classification. [66066]

The information required to answer the question is not recorded centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list the wards served by the projects that are supported by the Rural Bus Challenge; [66566](2) when he will announce the results of the latest Rural Bus Challenge. [66565]

The results of the Rural Bus Challenge 2001 competition were announced in January this year, and we anticipate the results of the 2002 competition to be announced early next year.A list of the projects that have been awarded Rural Bus Challenge funding in each of the four competitions since it was introduced in 1998 is deposited in the Library of the House. A total of £69.8 million has been awarded to 213 schemes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research has been conducted (a) by and (b) for his Department on the effect of variable speed limits; and if he will make a statement. [66005]

The Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) monitored trials on the effectiveness of variable speed limits outside schools. Variable message signs were installed outside schools that reduced the speed limit typically one hour around school arrival and leaving times. The results showed very little reduction in vehicle speeds and the report concluded that as a speed reducing feature they were ineffective.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how he will ensure that funds allocated to local authorities to clear the road maintenance backlog are used for this purpose. [66010]

Light rail scheme	Start date
Tyne and Wear Metro	Original system opened between 1980 and 1984
	Newcastle airport extension opened 1991
	Extension to Sunderland and South Hylton opened on 31 March 2002
Docklands Light Railway (London)	First phase opened 1987
	Bank extension opened 1991
	Beckton extension opened 1994
	Lewisham extension opened 1999
Manchester Metrolink	Altrincham-Bury opened 1992
	Extension to Salford Quays and Eccles opened in 1999 and 2000 respectively
South Yorkshire Supertram (Sheffield)	Opened in stages during 1994–95
Midland Metro	Opened in 1999
Croydon Tramlink	Opened in June 2000

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many light rail passengers there have been in each of the last five years. [66570]

The following is the most recent information available:

Million
Year	Number of light rail Year passenger journeys
1996–97	73
1997–98	79
1998–99	85
1999–2000	94
2000–01	120

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on each proposed light rail scheme under consideration. [66578]

The light rail schemes currently being appraised by the Department for Transport on which

The Best Value regime, introduced by the Local Government Act 1999, requires continuous improvement in highway maintenance. Authorities are required to report annually against Best Value indicators, which measure carriageway condition on all classes of local authority roads.DfT is working with local authorities to develop highway management systems which will lead to more consistent standards and a better system for effective targeting of resources.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the light rail schemes in operation, giving (a) the start date of operation and (b) the Government body responsible for oversight. 1665771

There are currently six light rail schemes in operation, as listed in the table. The Health and Safety Executive is responsible for the regulation of tram and light rail systems and tram drivers must also comply with certain highways legislation, enforced by the police.promoters are seeking a provisional view before possible Transport and Works Act applications, are as follows:Merseytram Line 1Manchester Metrolink—Stockport Extension.In addition, my officials are also appraising the proposed upgrade to the Blackpool Tramway.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 25 June 2002, Official Report, column 773W, on light transport schemes, if he will (a) list the occasions on which his Department has met the promoters of individual schemes, giving the scheme and promoter in each case, (b) list the schemes to which information, support and guidance has been given and (c) list the occasions on which workshops on light rail and guided bus schemes have taken place, giving the scheme on each occasion, since 7 June 2001. [66046]

The following charts contain the available information on meetings and workshops. In addition, information, support and guidance has been provided by my Department and the relevant Government

List A—Meetings held with promoters of light rail schemes since 7 June 2001
Scheme and Promoter	Number of meetings
Blackpool Tram—Blackpool borough council	2
Bristol and South Gloucestershire Tram Scheme—Bristol city council and South Gloucester council	3
Croydon Tramlink	2
Docklands LR	1
Hull LRT—Hull city council	1
Leeds Supertram—West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive	3
Manchester Metrolink Extensions—Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive	9
Merseytram—Merseytravel	5
Midland Metro—Centro	1
Nottingham Express Transit—Nottingham city council	3
South Hampshire Rapid Transit—Hampshire county council	2
South Yorkshire Supertram Extensions—South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive	3
Meetings held with promoters of guided bus schemes since 7 June 2001
Barnsley Interchange and Busway—South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive	1
South Bradford Integrated Transport Scheme—Bradford city council	1
Cambridge Guided Bus—Cambridge county council	1
Cambridge Guided Bus—Cambridge Rapid Transport System (Commercial)	1
Chester Deeside Transport Scheme—Chester city council	2
Doncaster Bus—South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive	4
Crawley Fastway—West Sussex county council	3
Kent Fastrack—Kent county council	2
Leeds A65—West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive	1
Luton-Dunstable Translink—Bedfordshire county council and Luton borough council	5

List B—Workshops
Workshops
Workshop on monitoring processes for light rail schemes in operation	29 June 2001	Approximately 45 attended from various promoters.
Workshop on light rail appraisal	21 February 2002	Approximately 45 attended from various promoters.
Workshop on other major public transport schemes including guided bus	1 March 2002	Approximately 50 attended from various promoters.
'Surgery' on funding/appraisal issues before submission of annual progress reports (31 July 2002)	19 and 20 June 2002	Attendance included one guided bus scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what schemes for road widening under the 10-year plan have been (a) proposed, (b) accepted and (c) started; what the location and length of road is in each case; what research has been conducted into the effects on (i) traffic, (ii) safety, (iii) congestion, (iv) social and environmental impacts and (v) economic effects in each case; and if he will make a statement. [663101

There are currently 15 on-line widening schemes in our targeted programme of improvements (TPI). As with all such schemes a substantial amount of assessment work is undertaken which looks at the current situation and the impact of the proposals. This is published during the statutory procedures and may be debated at a public inquiry, if one is necessary, and then by the Secretary of State when deciding whether to authorise the making of the necessary orders.The following such schemes are under construction:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent research has been conducted (a) for and (b) by his Department on predicting journey times for (i) freight, (ii) passengers and (iii) car journeys; and if he will make a statement [66312]

The Highways Agency has carried out research to investigate the feasibility of providing road users with predictions of journey times to selected local destinations, such as airports, for display on variable message signs.The Highways Agency has recently completed a study of journey times experienced around motorways in the west midlands and is presently considering options for wider promulgation of the results of the study.The Highways Agency is also analysing the suitability of journey time data collected by a number of systems both within the Agency and developed by the private sector, for the purposes of scheme evaluation by the Agency.The Department is undertaking research at present to provide a better understanding of the causes of journey time variability in congested conditions on motorways.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) guidance and (b) legislation (i) has been given or is in place and (ii) is planned by his Department on the EU Working Time Directive; and if he will make a statement. [66321]

My Department is responsible for implementing the EU directive on the organisation of the working time of persons performing mobile road transport activities (2002/15/EC). This directive was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 23 March 2002, and is scheduled to come into force in the UK by 23 March 2005.No formal guidance on the directive has been produced at this stage. However, we are currently consulting with key representatives from both sides of industry on the transposition of the directive.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is responsible for guidance on and the implementation of domestic legislation relating to the original working time directive (93/104/EC) and the horizontal amending directive (2000/34/EC).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 11 June 2002, Official Report, column 1 133W, on the Channel Tunnel, for what reason Government policy towards payment for security measures at the Channel Tunnel has changed; and for what reason the SRA will be asked to contribute to such costs. [66581]

There has been no change in policy. The SRA originally offered assistance, which is for security at the Frethun freight yard, not the tunnel itself, in December last year. The objective is to bring forward to the earliest possible date the resumption of full and reliable international rail freight services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many cycling trips were made and what the total distance travelled by cyclists was in each of the last four years. [66571]

Figures for Great Britain from the national Travel Survey are as follows:

	1997	1998	1999	2000
Trips per person per year	18	15	17	16
Stages per person per year	18	15	17	17
Distance per person per year	41	36	42	37

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research he has commissioned into making (a) cycling and (b) walking routes safer; if he will place a copy in the Library; and if he will list those schemes introduced in the last two years in order to make these routes safer. [66579]

Details of a number of current research projects on cycling and walking are listed in the "Road Safety Research, Compendium of Research Projects 2001–02" and in "Roads and Local Transport Research Programme Compendium of Research Projects 2000–01". The compendia are updated at regular intervals, deposited at the House of Commons Library, and are available on the Department's website. A list of schemes to make walking and cycling routes safer is not recorded centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what Government funding was provided directly for cycle lanes in each of the last four years; and if he will make a statement; [66575](2) how much money was allocated to local authorities in each of the last four years for the provision of cycle lanes. [66574]

The Department has not funded any cycle lanes in the last four years. Since December 1999 local transport capital allocations have been provided to English local authorities outside London through the local transport plan system. Apart from major local transport schemes (those with a gross cost exceeding £5 million) funding is allocated in the form of a single block allocation the use of which is at the authorities discretion. Such funds can be used to implement cycle lanes but it is for authorities to decide their local priorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the total length of cycle lanes is in the UK; and what percentage of these are (a) on the side of the carriageway, (b) on the pavement and (c) independent of a road or pavement. [665731]

This information is not held centrally. Local cycling strategies contain plans for up to 4,300 km of new cycle routes in England by 2005, but it is for individual local traffic authorities to monitor and hold the details of cycle lane provision in the area they control.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) guidance has been given by his Department and (b) legislation is in place with regard to the methodology for multi-modal studies (i) proposals and (ii) assessment; and if he will make a statement. [66311]

The Department issued Guidance on the Methodology for Multi-Modal Studies (GOMMMS) in March 2000. In addition one errata; two supplementary pieces of GOMMMS guidance; and a report commissioned by the Department on 'Soft Factors Likely To Affect Travel Demand' have been published since that date. All of these documents can be found on the Departmental website at: http://www.roads.dft.gov.uk/roadnetworldheta/hetapubs.htmThere is no legislation in place relating to the methodology for multi-modal studies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) pursuant to his answer of 25 June 2002, Official Report, columns 769–70W, on multi-modal studies, if he will list the (a) number, (b) type, (c) length,(d) expected impact on the numbers of passengers and journeys and (e) expected impacts on congestion and pollution of bus schemes (i) proposed, (ii) accepted and(iii) under way for each of the multi-modal studies that have reported; [66069](2) pursuant to his answer of 25 June 2002,

The multi-modal studies are strategic transport studies which examine the contribution that combinations of measures, covering, among other things, roads, rail, public transport and behavioural change initiatives, could make to resolving the transport problems in the study areas. Information about specific measures in isolation is not available in the detail requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 25 June 2002, Official Report, columns 769–70W, on multi-modal studies, if he will list the (a) number, (b) type, (c) length, (d) expected impact on the number of road journeys and freight volumes and (e) expected impacts on congestion and pollution of road building schemes (i) proposed, (ii) accepted and (iii) underway for each of the multi-modal studies that have reported. [66074]

The Multi-Modal Studies are strategic transport studies which examine the contribution that combinations of measures, covering, among other things, roads, rail, public transport and behavioural change initiatives, could make to resolving the transport problems in the study areas. Information about specific measures in isolation is not available in the detail requested and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 25 June 2002, Official Report, columns 769–70W, on multi-modal studies, if he will list the (a) number, (b) type, (c) length, (d) expected impact on the numbers of passengers and journeys and freight volume and (e) expected impacts on congestion and pollution of rail schemes (i) proposed, (ii) accepted and (iii) underway for each of the multi-modal studies that have reported. [66071]

The Multi-Modal Studies are strategic transport studies which examine the contribution that combinations of measures, covering, among other things, roads, rail, public transport and behavioural change initiatives, could make to resolving the transport problems in the study areas. Information about specific measures in isolation is not available in the detail requested and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 25 June 2002, Official Report, columns 769–70W, on multi-modal studies, if he will list the (a) number, (b) type, (c) length, (d) expected impact on the numbers of passengers and journeys and (e) expected impacts on congestion and pollution of light rail, tram and guided busway schemes (i) proposed, (ii) accepted and (iii) underway for each of the multi-modal studies that have reported. [66072]

The Multi-Modal Studies are strategic transport studies which examine the contribution that combinations of measures, covering, among other things, roads, rail, public transport and behavioural change initiatives, could make to resolving the transport problems in the study areas. Information about specific measures in isolation is not available in the detail requested and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 25 June 2002, Official Report, columns 769–70W, on multi-modal studies, if he will list the (a) number, (b) type, (c) length, (d) expected impact on the numbers of journeys and (e) expected impacts on congestion and pollution of cycle lane and footpath schemes (i) proposed, (ii) accepted and (iii) under way for each of the multi-modal studies that have reported. [66070]

The Multi-Modal Studies are strategic transport studies which examine the contribution that combinations of measures, covering, among other things, roads, rail, public transport and behavioural change initiatives, could make to resolving the transport problems in the study areas. Information about specific measures in isolation is not available in the detail requested and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps he is taking to ensure that regulatory impact assessments are consistent between Government Departments. [63751]

The Cabinet Office issues guidance to Departments on producing regulatory impact assessments. This guidance follows the methodology set out in the Treasury publication "Appraisal and Evaluation in Central Government", and it is currently being updated and reviewed. It will be subject to a public consultation starting in the summer. The final version will he issued by the end of 2002.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on changes to emergency planning procedures implemented since June 2001. [63752]

Since June 2001, the Government has carefully reviewed civil protection arrangements across the UK. As a result, measures have been taken by Government Departments, the emergency services and local authorities to improve assessment, detection, protection, planning and response to a wide range of threats.