HC Deb 20 March 2002 vol 382 c350W
Dr. Pugh

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions who is responsible for initiating railway research programmes. [44354]

Mr. Jamieson

The Directions and Guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority issued in draft by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State in June 2001 would require the authority to "encourage and as appropriate commission research related to its purposes and objectives." We expect to issue the final version of the Directions and Guidance very shortly.