§ Jacqui SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to consult bodies with an interest in transport safety, as part of the review announced in the Transport White Paper. [79854]
§ Dr. ReidMy Department is today publishing a consultation document seeking views on arrangements for transport safety. Nothing is more important than safety, and I am determined that we will continue to work towards the highest possible standards of safety in transport. Part of that means making sure that transport safety is organised in ways which are modern, effective and efficient, and which are capable of delivering continued improvements.
The results of the consultation will form a key input to the review of transport safety arrangements which we announced in our transport White Paper.
The review is concerned, not with specific safety strategies or measures, but with the principles which should govern the organisational and institutional framework for ensuring safe transport. In our consultation we are asking for views on that, and on the relationship between accident investigations and inquiries, and the pursuit of legal proceedings.
The consultation document is being distributed widely to bodies with an interest in transport safety, and is also available on the Internet. The closing date for responding is 14 June 1999. Copies of the document have been placed in the Library, and are available in the Vote Office.