§ Mr. FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what discussions he has had with Her Majesty's Treasury on the likely impact on inflation of the measures contained in the White Paper "A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone"; and what guidelines he has issued on the maximum RPI increase which would be permitted as a consequence of (a) his Department's proposed measures and (b) measures taken as a consequence of reviews instigated under the White Paper; [51961]
(2) pursuant to the White Paper "A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone", what assessment he has made of the economic impact of his proposals, separately identifying their impact on the rate of inflation. [51962]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe measures set out in "A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone" will help to support business and economic growth by encouraging more efficient use of transport infrastructure, improving reliability for journeys on all transport modes, improving transport links with international markets, enhancing the vitality of urban and rural areas and by promoting more efficient and sustainable transport industries.
My Department has considered the impact of the measures on inflation with Her Majesty's Treasury. The Government do not think it sensible to issue any guidelines on the maximum permitted RPI increase. The impact on inflation cannot be estimated with any degree of certainty. The impact on prices will, in particular, reflect both the beneficial effect on transport costs—e.g. fuel consumption and fleet and labour utilization—of reduced congestion and the improved efficiency of the transport system, and the effect of the charging and taxation measures themselves. The details of many of these measures are subject to further consultation and/or future decisions by local authorities on whether to take up the charging powers for which the Government intend to introduce legislation.
§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of proposals set out in the Integrated Transport White Paper on his Department's policy towards settlements in the countryside. [52656]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe White Paper sets out proposals to improve the quality of life for people in all areas, both urban and rural. Addressing the transport needs of rural communities is an important part of the New Deal for transport.