§ Mr. RiddickTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what measures are being taken to ensure that research into rail transport continues following privatisation. [32168]
§ Mr. WattsI have been asked to reply.
I have approved the establishment of a review to consider the best mechanism for directing and co-ordinating research and development in order to meet the needs of the new railway industry. The review will provide advice for the successor bodies, which, following privatisation, will be responsible for determining their own research requirements. It will be chaired by Professor Sir David Davies, chief scientific adviser, Ministry of Defence. Its membership comprises: Professor Brian Mellitt director, engineering and production, Railtrack plc; Mr. Gordon Pettitt, transport management consultant, formerly managing director, regional railways; Professor Tony Ridley, professor of Transport Engineering, University of London centre for transport studies; and Mr. Tony Roche, board member, engineering services and safety, British Railways Board. The review is currently in the process of collecting evidence and will present its findings and recommendations to the permanent secretary, Department of Transport, by late summer.