Mr. Michael Jabez FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made on the Access to Hastings Study announced by his Department in July 1998; what the terms of reference are for(a) the study and (b) the steering group for the study; if the proposed steering group will have an agreed constitution or rules of operation; if the steering group will have autonomy in controlling the study, and what reserve powers his Department will have; if his Department will have a power of veto over the steering group's decisions; and what timetable is envisaged for completion of the report and his Department's decision upon it. [92294]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonProgress is being made on the "Access to Hastings Multi Modal Study". There have now been two Steering Group meetings and there will be a third meeting in August.
Draft terms of reference for the Study have not yet been formally agreed, the main aims of the terms of reference are to develop a sustainable and integrated strategy for the Hastings area to promote competitiveness and the achievement of regeneration objectives. The Study should recommend a plan and measures to address problems associated with the A21 and the A259 trunk roads. A multi modal approach will inform all stages of the Study to provide a strategy promoting a safe, efficient, accessible and sustainable transport system and to protect both the built and natural environment.
The Steering Group will operate in a manner that is consistent with the multi modal studies methodology. The Steering Group owns the multi modal Study and will steer and oversee the development, progress and satisfactory completion of the Access to Hastings Study. The Steering group will advise on consultants' recommendations which, subject to views of SERPLAN, will then be submitted to Ministers. We anticipate that the Study will be let to consultants in the Autumn of this year and will take 12-15 months to complete.
Mr. Michael Jabez FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what legal obstacles there are to visits by himself or his ministerial colleagues to Hastings to examine the adequacy of its roads infrastructure; [92293]
(2) if he or one of his ministerial colleagues responsible for roads will visit Hastings to examine the adequacy of its road infrastructure. [92292]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonPending the taking of final statutory decisions on the three A259 schemes near Hastings, that were the subject of the 1995–96 public inquiry, Ministers have to maintain a position of impartiality. In the circumstances it would not be appropriate for myself or any ministerial colleagues to visit Hastings.