HL Deb 18 April 2000 vol 612 cc84-5WA
Baroness Thomas of Walliswood

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, and on what dates since his appointment, the present Minister of Transport has had formal meetings with:

  1. (a) the British Road Federation;
  2. (b) the Road Haulage Association;
  3. (c) the Freight Transport Association;
  4. (d) the Royal Automobile Club;
  5. (e) the Automobile Association;
  6. (f) the Cyclists Touring Club;
  7. (g) the Pedestrian's Association; and
  8. (h) Transport 2000. [HL1830]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

Ministers have extensive dealings with organisations in both the public and private sector as part of their official duties.

It would be impracticable to maintain a central record of such meetings.

Baroness Thomas of Walliswood

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On how many days the Minister of Transport attended the World Road Congress in Kuala Lumpur; how many officials accompanied him; what was the total cost to the taxpayer; and what was the purpose of attending. [HL1831]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

My honourable friend Keith Hill, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the House of Commons, represented Her Majesty's Government at the Ministers' session of the World Road Congress in Kuala Lumpur. A Private Secretary accompanied him and the total cost for their flight and accommodation at the Congress, which took place between 3–5 October 1999, was £6,655.00. All travel complied with the requirements of the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Management Code.

The World Road Association is the oldest international association involved with roads and transportation and its quadrennial Congress is the most important arena for shaping its policy direction and agenda for the four-year period. The Congress provided UK Agencies and exporters with an opportunity to further develop their contact networks and, in the Ministers' session, an appropriate international audience for the Minister to explain the new policy orientation for the Highways Agency and other UK road administrations arising from the Integrated Transport White Paper.