§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons hon. Members have not been invited to attend seminars on the development of an integrated transport strategy being organised by the Government office for the south-east; and if he will make a statement. [12875]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Government office has held a number of seminars with local authorities, transport operators, users and environmental groups and others to discuss transport policy. To be effective, numbers attending had to be limited and so it was not possible to invite the region's 83 Members of Parliament. The Department did, however, send all hon. Members copies of the consultation documents on the role of the trunk 725W road network in England and on developing an integrated transport policy: and would welcome any contributions which Members of Parliament might wish to make.