Written question asked by Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 26 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 March 2003. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 March 2003 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make a statement on Rail Research UK.

Answer: Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on Rail Research UK. [100228] Mr. Jamieson: Rail Research UK has been established by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council as a interdisciplinary centre for rail systems research. The £7 million centre involves twelve research groups from seven UK universities. It aims to broaden the scope of rail research, to promote innovation, to strengthen the science base and to focus longer term research to help and achieve a safer and more reliable railway while reducing the impact on the environment. Rail Research UK was officially launched on 25 February 2003 and becomes operational from April 2003.

Secondary information