HC Deb 21 May 2002 vol 386 cc222-3W
Mrs. May

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the consultation exercise on the establishment of an independent rail accident investigation body will begin; and what the deadline is for(a) completion of the exercise and (b) the report to his Department. [58174]

Mr. Byers

We expect to consult this summer on proposals for the establishment of an independent rail accident investigation branch. The consultation exercise will run for 12 weeks from the date of publication, as set out in the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on written consultation. Responses to the consultation will be carefully analysed following this period, and in advance of primary legislation.