§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the benefits that have arisen for safety of drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists from the innovations and work of the transport and road research laboratory in the last 10 years; and what plans he has to ensure that further progress in this field is maintained by commercial contact with bodies other than his own Department.
§ Mr. KeyThe Transport Research Laboratory has been responsible for many research projects which have made important contributions to the safety of road users. For example, work on vehicle standards has provided benefits for both vehicle occupants and vulnerable road users, research on urban safety has resulted in the implementation of low cost engineering schemes showing significant casualty reductions and work on skidding accidents has led to a new road surface standard which has again significantly reduced casualties.
The Department intends to continue with a major programme of research in road and vehicle safety at TRL, and expects to place contracts both with TRL and with other researchers. TRL for its part is also seeking work in these fields from bodies other than the Department.
§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the benefits obtained for his Department and the nation since the Transport Research Laboratory, Crowthorne became an executive agency in April 1992; and if he will list the possible further benefits and disbenefits he expects to raise from its full privatisation
§ Mr. KeyBenefits have been obtained through the Transport Research Laboratory's good performance against the challenging annual efficiency and quality targets set by my right hon. Friend; and through its high-quality research output, which has informed a range of policy decisions. The possible benefits and disbenefits of transferring the laboratory to the private sector are currently being studied by external consultants.