§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the areas of policy which have been devolved to next steps agencies since April 1992. [33362]
§ Mr. NorrisMinisters retain overall responsibility for policy and would be consulted on any major decisions. Officials of the Department's agencies prepare policy advice for Ministers where they are in the best position to do so. Two agencies have specific day-to-day policy development responsibilities within a framework determined by Ministers.
The Marine Safety Agency, established in April 1994, has responsibility for developing and reviewing marine safety and pollution prevention policies and standards and to represent the Department's interests in those areas nationally and internationally.
485WThe Highways Agency, established in April 1994, has responsibility for developing and co-ordination land and compensation policy issues across the whole Department.