§ Ms KellyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when580W he will announce the appointments to the Commission for Integrated Transport; and if he will make a statement. [79571]
§ Mr. PrescottI have today appointed David Begg as Chair and Sir Trevor Chinn as Vice-Chair of the new Commission for Integrated Transport. The selection process for the other members of the Commission is still under way, but I hope to be able to announce the complete composition of the Commission by May. It will then begin its work of building on the consensus established around last year's Transport White Paper.
David Begg, who was prominent in advising the Government during the preparation of the White Paper, has established a reputation for action in tackling Edinburgh's transport problems, and has the dynamism and commitment to make the Commission an influential voice in realising the objectives of the White Paper. Sir Trevor, who is Chairman of the motor services group Lex, will support Professor Begg by bringing an understanding of people's attitudes to transport, including the views of motorists.
I am delighted that Professor Begg and Sir Trevor have agreed to work together to lead the Commission. The Commission's success in helping put integrated transport into practice will depend on it having the authority and energy to press transport policy forward. It will need to bring with it all those involved in providing transport services and all of us affected by its impacts. Professor Begg and Sir Trevor, coming from different backgrounds but sharing the same goal of a better, more sustainable transport system, are the right combination to ensure the Commission makes a real difference. Together they constitute a balanced team who look forward to establishing an effective Commission and adding real value to the transport debate.