§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many multi-modal transport studies are behind schedule; and if he will make a statement. [46111]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer: Monday, 25 March 2002]: The Multi-Modal Studies programme contains 22 Studies which were split into three tranches. Five Studies from tranche 1 have so far reported to Regional Planning Bodies with recommendations. We have announced our decisions on three of these.
From the remaining 17 Studies, two Studies from tranche 3 of the programme are expected to commence later this year. Nine studies from tranches 1 and 2 have been given time extensions. This is due to the complexity of the Study process, and the need for some additional work identified during the course of the Studies. Ten Studies are now due to report by summer 2002 and a further three Studies by December 2002. The remaining four Studies will report in 2003.