§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many of the chairmen of rail users consultative committees both central and regional are or have been active in the Conservative party. [39133]
§ Mr. WattsThe information is not available. Current chairmen of the rail users consultative committees were never required to provide information concerning their political activities, although applicants responding to notices about membership are now requested to supply such details. The conditions of chairmen's appointments contain guidance concerning political activity designed to ensure any such interests do not prejudice the committees' work.