HC Deb 28 January 2002 vol 379 c61W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which organisation has responsibility for taking the lead in establishing the national rail academy. [30228]

Mr. Jamieson

The Strategic Rail Authority has the lead responsibility in establishing the national rail academy with the active involvement and support of the Rail Industry Training Council, the national training organisation for the rail industry.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his oral statement of 14 January 2002,Official Report,columns 30–5w, what progress has been made in establishing the national academy for the railways, with special reference to the training of engine drivers. [28817]

Mr. Jamieson

A cross-industry task force is being established to define the scope, aims, funding and modus operandi of a national rail academy. The training of drivers will figure in this work along with the other skills needs of the industry.

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he expects the proposed national rail academy to commence operations. [30263]

Mr. Jamieson

A cross-industry task force is being established to define the scope, aims, projected modus operandi and the funding requirements of national rail academy. This will provide the basis for full consultation with the industry with a view to operations commencing as soon as is reasonably practical.