Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

HL Deb 11 June 1997 vol 580 cc87-8WA

Lord Peston

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress they have made in integrating the Department of the Environment and the Department of Transport.

Baroness Hayman

Significant progress has already been made in integrating the policies of the two departments. To secure the maximum advantage from integration, and to simplify lines of responsibility; my right honourable friends the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Minister for Transport have concluded that the two departments should now be merged into a single department, to be known as the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

This change will take place from Monday 16 June. Detailed decisions on organisational structures will not be taken before the end of September, and will be preceded by a process of review and consultation with staff and trade unions.