§ Mr. George OsborneTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he last met Lord Birt to discuss transport policy. [26724]
§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the terms of engagement of Lord Birt are in relation to transport matters. [26308]
§ Mr. PicklesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if he will publish Lord Birt's study of Britain's transport needs; [26758]
564W(2) what terms of reference he has agreed with Lord Birt for his study of Britain's transport needs; [26760]
(3) on what date he first met Lord Birt to discuss the future of transport; [26763]
(4) what administrative support his Department is supplying Lord Birt for his study of Britain's transport needs; [26762]
(5) on what date he last met Lord Birt to discuss the future of transport, with specific reference to the railways; [26761]
(6) what timetable he has agreed with Lord Birt for the completion of his study of Britain's transport needs. [26759]
§ Mr. ByersThe role of the FSU is to provide internal long-term strategic analysis and policy thinking for the Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers on a range of issues, including transport. Lord Birt is one of a number of external advisers assisting the FSU in its work. It is not our policy to publish Forward Strategy Unit reports. Internal policy advice to Ministers remains confidential.
The work of the FSU is being carried forward by a small and varying staff, drawn from the PIU and Government Departments. My Department keeps in close touch with the FSU.