§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what consideration he has given to granting executive agency status to the highways directorate of the Welsh Office.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsUnder the "next steps" initiative, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has decided that the highways directorate of the Welsh Office should be considered as a candidate for executive agency status. A prior options review is being undertaken to establish whether agency status or some other option would be appropriate. Those undertaking the review will be consulting local authorities in Wales. My right hon. Friend and I would welcome comments from other interested parties. These should be sent, by 31 May 1994, to: The Under Secretary, Transport, Planning and Environment Group, The Welsh Office, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF1 3NQ.