§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he proposes to use in order to establish the proposed integrated transport commission; how many people he proposes to appoint to such a body; what interests will be represented; how he will make appointments to the body; when he proposes that it should first meet; and if he will make a statement. [65244]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe establishment of the Commission for Integrated Transport was announced in the White Paper, 'A New Deal for Transport' (Cm 3950). It will be a non-statutory, non-Departmental public body that will provide independent advice to Government on the progress of integrated transport policy. It will comprise up to 15 members, including a Chair and Vice-Chair, who will all be selected in accordance with guidance from the Commissioner for Public Appointments; the two senior posts have already been advertised in the national press. All the appointments will be made on merit, with members selected on the basis of their knowledge of and expertise from sectors affected by transport policy and its impacts. We expect the Commission to meet shortly after these appointments have been made.