HC Deb 15 December 2003 vol 415 c119WS
The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. Alistair Darling)

On 11 April this year I announced a review of the Commission for Integrated Transport (CfIT) and the Motorists Forum to be undertaken by Charles Rice. Mr Rice has now reported and I have considered his recommendations.

The Government are grateful to Charles Rice for carrying out an objective, thorough and fair review. I have accepted his recommendations in full, which will be implemented immediately.

CfIT will retain its responsibility for advising the Government on future transport policy options, the potential for new technology, the identification of best practice in transport and on transport issues which cross departmental boundaries. The Commission will also retain responsibility for refreshing and informing the transport debate through its published reports and other work.

Charles Rice also recommended that CfIT should no longer have the role of monitoring and reviewing of the achievement of the 10 Year Plan for Transport, a recommendation I accept.

Both my Department and CfIT are looking forward to developing a close and fruitful working relationship under the refreshed remit now agreed.

I am pleased to be able to announce that the Motorists Forum will continue with its current remit and structure.

A copy of the report of the review and CflT's revised terms of reference have been placed in the House Library.