7 CONCLUSIONS
113. Our overall impression is of a well intentioned
but sluggish and sometimes muddled Department which needs to 'raise
its game' if it is to meet the considerable challenge of leading
clear improvements to UK transport infrastructure and services
while doing its bit to safeguard the quality of life in Britain.
Inspirational leadership is needed at official level, but appears
lacking. This needs to change.
114. We shall invite the Secretary of State and
the Permanent Secretary to give evidence about the Department's
Annual Report 2006 after its publication later this year. By then,
we expect the Department's potential for focused and energetic
leadership in pursuing its aim of 'better transport for all' to
be more clearly realised; and for that aim to be articulated with
much more clarity and panache in the next Report. The Department
can and must do better.
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