HC Deb 21 June 1994 vol 245 cc128-9W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether agency status for the traffic area offices has been postponed.

Mr. Key

Yes.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he intends to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the traffic commissioner in the north-west traffic area office next year.

Mr. Key

My right hon. Friend will consider in due course what arrangements to make for a replacement.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the outcome of the review undertaken of the grading of public inquiry clerks in the traffic area offices; whether his officials will discuss the review with the appropriate trade unions; and if he will place a copy of the review in the Library.

Mr. Key

The Department's internal review concluded that the main duties of the public inquiry clerk clearly fall within the guidelines for the current grading of the post as administrative officer. An element of the duties could be attributed to the executive officer grade but the percentage was insufficient to justify regrading the post.

I would be happy for officials to discuss the results of the review with the Departmental trade unions. A copy of the report will be placed in the Library of the House.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the parliamentary constituencies covered by each traffic area office.

Mr. Key

I will write to the hon. Member.