HL Deb 28 January 2002 vol 631 cc11-2WA
Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the role and responsibility of the Lord Birt in relation to the preparation of a government transport strategy; and how this relates to:

  1. (a) the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions;
  2. (b) the Strategic Rail Authority; and
  3. (c) the Cabinet Office Delivery Unit; and what discussions Lord Birt has had with the above organisations in connection with the preparation of such a strategy. [HL2213]

The Minister of State, Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)

The 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. Lord Birt, as the Prime Minister's unpaid strategy advisor, works with the FSU on a range of projects. Part of that work involves providing advice about longer-term trends in the transport industry. The unit is keeping in close touch with my department, and holding discussions with other organisations as necessary.