§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the recommendations in Multi-modal Studies are designed to be consistent with the sustainability framework for that region. [5772]
§ Mr. JamiesonWhile each Multi-modal Study addresses transport problems, it must also anticipate those of the future. Studies must take full account of sustainability, economic, regeneration and social exclusion objectives locally, regionally and nationally. Study reports and recommendations are submitted to Regional Planning Bodies who consider them in the regional planning context consistent with the sustainability framework for that region. Ultimately Ministers, when they consider Regional Planning recommendations, will take care to ensure they are also consistent with wider national policy objectives.