§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons the national travel survey excludes consideration of distances covered on foot during employment. [4478]
§ Mr. BowisThe primary purpose of the national travel survey is to estimate the demand for personal travel. This comprises travel for private purposes or for work or education, provided that the main reason for the journey is for the traveller himself or herself to reach the destination.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the information in the latest issue of the national travel survey in respect of walking. [4477]
§ Mr. BowisThe 1993 to 1995 report on the national travel survey contained a number of tables showing the contribution of walking to figures for personal travel. The main section shows that the average number of journeys walked per person and the average distance walked have fallen over recent years and we have therefore set up a steering group to look at the causes of this and at ways that have been shown to be effective in encouraging walking. I have chaired the first two meetings of this group.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress of the national walking strategy. [4476]
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§ Mr. BowisI have formed and chaired the first two meetings of a steering group whose membership comes from a range of interested parties. The group is drafting a discussion document which will invite comments from a wider constituency to help establish what measures may be commended as good practice to encourage walking as a mode of transport, as a component in journeys with public transport and as an alternative to the car for short journeys.