Topical question asked in the House of Commons, by Dari Taylor (Labour). It was answered by Ruth Kelly (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 July 2008 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Topical Questions

Question: If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.

Answer: I am delighted to tell the House that, on 9 June, I was pleased to announce the Government's support for a £2.8 billion investment package for public transport in Greater Manchester by awarding its transport innovation fund bid programme entry. Last month, I announced that Bristol had been appointed Britain's first cycling city, alongside an additional 11 cycling demonstration towns winning a share of a record £100 million to increase cycling in their areas. Yesterday, following the publication of Professor Gallagher's review of biofuels, I announced my intention to consult on slowing down the rate of increase of the renewable transport fuels obligation to take into account emerging evidence about the sustainability of biofuels and to establish international sustainability standards and controls. Today I made a statement on the timing of the Heathrow consultation process that set out how I intend to ensure that all the evidence can be considered before crucial decisions are taken before the end of the year.

Secondary information