§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what requirement will be placed on(a) the train operating companies and (b) the successor company to Railtrack to employ people with qualifications from the National Rail Academy. [42810]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 12 March 2002]: The issue of qualifications will in part be addressed through the 'Framework for Skills' 18-Point Action Plan. It is likely that the National Rail Academy will have a key role to play in relation to standards and qualifications. However, its precise role and the relationship with the Rail Industry Training Council, the existing National Training Organisation and the prospective Sector Skills Council have yet to be determined.
§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) when the proposed National Rail Academy will be brought into operation; [42808]
(2) how much money has been allocated for (a) the development of and (b) the operation of a National Rail Academy; and if this money forms part of the funding proposed under the Ten Year Plan. [42807]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 12 March 2002]: The Government have made available £33.5 billion to improve the railways of which £500,000 is being allocated by the Strategic Rail Authority to develop a number of training initiatives during this year. There is currently no fixed establishment date for the National Rail Academy and it is likely that it will evolve progressively from a number of current initiatives.