§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if he will set out the role and remit of the regional assemblies in the multi-modal studies; [46375]
(2) when the regional assemblies are due to report to him their recommendations on each of the multi-modal studies. [46374]
§ Mr. ByersThe precise role of the regional chambers (or assemblies) in the multi-modal study process varies from region to region. Where the regional chamber is the regional planning body (North West, Yorkshire and Humber, South East, South West and, from April 1, North East) it will receive recommendations from the multi-modal study steering group, and in turn make recommendations to Ministers.
In addition, the North West Regional Assembly and South East England Regional Assembly are represented on their region's multi-modal study steering groups. It is for each regional planning body to decide when to make its recommendations to Ministers.
§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the members of each of the multi-modal study steering groups. [46377]
§ Mr. ByersMembers of the multi-modal study steering groups have been drawn from representatives of various regional interests including local authorities, environmental groups, business organisations and public transport companies. Membership of the steering groups varies to reflect the different nature and scope of each study.
I have arranged for a list of organisations that are represented on each of the multi-modal study steering group to be placed in the Libraries of the House.