§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what statutory law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities there are within the responsibility of his Department; and what complaints procedure is available for each. [57101]
§ Dr. Whitehead[holding answer 16 May 2002]: The following divisions of the Department, its agencies, or bodies for which the Secretary of State for Transport, 503W Local Government and the Regions is accountable to Parliament, may act as prosecuting authorities in relation to the matters for which they have responsibility:
- British Transport Police
- Civil Aviation Authority
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
- Health and Safety Executive
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency
- Radioactive Materials Transport Division
- Transport Security Division
- Vehicle Certification Agency
- Vehicle Inspectorate.
All of the authorities listed have procedures in place for the handling of complaints. Complaints about any of these authorities may, in the first instance, be directed to the authority in question.
Additionally, all of the authorities listed are within the jurisdiction of the Parliamentary Ombudsman, with the exception of the British Transport Police. Complaints against the British Transport Police may be referred to the Police Complaints Authority.
Local authorities are also within the responsibility of the Department and operate their own complaints procedures. Complaints against local authorities can also be made in appropriate circumstances to the Local Government Ombudsman; in addition complaints against Councillors can be made to the Standards Board for England.