§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures will be taken by his Department to implement the recommendations contained in the second report of the Transport Select Committee for Session 1993–94, HC 173-I, on the privatisation and deregulation of the Department of Transport agency work, page 14, paragraph 46. [3922]
§ Mr. NorrisThe Government have made clear the importance they attach to ensuring the continued independence of the Transport Research Laboratory. In assessing bids for the whole of TRL, full consideration will be given to the proposals of prospective purchasers for ensuring that the laboratory's independence is safeguarded in the private sector.
The Government intend to sell TRL only to reputable purchasers and will be seeking assurances from prospective purchasers about their ability to meet obligations to staff transferring to the new organisation.