§ Sir George YoungTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his staff complement dealing with walking and cycling policy in May 1997 was; and what the complement is now. [36155]
§ Mr. SpellarI have recently increased the complement of full-time posts wholly or mainly concerned with cycling and/or walking from 11 to 12. The number had been 11 since early 1999. Comparable figures for earlier years are not available.
In addition I am at present inviting tenders for a three-year contract to promote the cycling strategy in the English regions. I expect the contractor to employ about 20 people on this task.
§ Sir George YoungTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the complement in his cycling and walking division to be able to meet the demands to deliver the national cycling strategy target of raised cycling levels. [36153]
§ Mr. SpellarI keep all staff complements under regular review. My assessment is that the present complement for cycling and walking, together with the contract mentioned in my reply to the right hon. Member's previous question, is adequate for the task in hand.