Transport Questions House of Commons

Order, order. The acting deputy Sergeant at arms is retiring at the

end of this month. Colleaguds, he has worked at the House of Commons

as a police officer and a door keeper since 1969. Olin Swedney the

deputy deliverer of the votd, is also retiring after 46 years as a

House employees, having worked in the Sergeant at Arms Departlent

before moving to the Vote Office. I am sure that the whole Housd will

join me in wishing these two very long serving members of staff the

very best for their retiremdnts And in thanking them, as I know I do,

extremely personally, for they are quite outstanding contributhons to

this House and two public sdrvice over nearly five decades. They have

helped most magnificently in contributing to the smooth running

of the House. Thank you both. Order, questions to the Secretary of State

for Transport. Mr David Mow`t. Question number one. Can I `ssociate

myself with your remarks to both members of staff who are retiring. I

wish them well. They would be welcome to come back and serve in a

different role if they so whshed. Mr Speaker, in November last ydar, are

confirmed plans for acceler`ting the construction of phase two, from the

West Midlands to crew. That opens in 2027, six years earlier than

planned. We are developing plans for the rest of phase two and I intend

to make decisions on the rest of the route by the autumn at the latest.

Thank you. The Secretary of State will be aware that HS2 is ctrrently

evaluating a proposal to extend the airline North of Manchester to

Wigan. The cost is around ?0 billion. As yet, no incremental or

business or economic case h`s been produced. Will he undertake before a

decision is taken to extend the line beyond Manchester, a business case

will be laid before the House for review. When we do come forward with

proposals, they will receivd the same scrutiny as the earlier part of

the line. I believe that High Speed Rail Bill essential for the

long-term economic future of the United Kingdom. It gives us the

increased capacity that we so desperately need on our railways.

Cook the Secretary of State tell us how planning the route for HS2 will

be linked with planned improvements for East West rail travel, for

example Liverpool to Hull? The honourable lady is right on this

matter that this is part of what needs to be done. It is part of what

is being addressed at the moment and we wait to see what infrastructure

-- the infrastructure commission comes up with as far as the

east-west link is concerned. With the Secretary of State give

consideration as to how Middlewich railway station can be to

passengers? It would facilitate much increased use of the rail lhne right

into Manchester and relieve congestion on the M6. Well, I am not

sure that comes into the HS2 development that I am happy to

discuss these matters with ly honourable friend. And so whll my

honourable friend, the Minister for rail. One of the reasons for

developing a high-speed rail link is that we need to find more c`pacity

on existing networks and ond way to do that is to provide the extra

capacity that HS2 would givd. I share concerns mentioned. It is pure

that there are no plans for HS2 north of Manchester, partictlarly to

Wigan. And those in Lancashhre will be completely disconnected. Will he

look at this? Mr Speaker, the simple fact is that from day one, HS2

services will serve wider than just from where they are built to. Once

they start serving Birmingh`m, it will be possible to link to

conventional rail route, rather similar to how high-speed r`il

trains run from Saint Pancr`s to Ashford and beyond on conventional

railways. I hope that all p`rts of the UK, in the northern parts of the

UK, get services from HS2 straightaway. When plans were put

forward in November, none of the proposals for mitigation through my

constituency were included. Can we have assurances that these proposals

will continue to be looked `t throughout the passage of these

proposals? Indeed. I can also say to my honourable friend and his

constituents that they will have every opportunity to make their case

when we bring forward the bhll, once it has been presented and that

Committee stage. Mr Speaker, this is one of the largest and most

expensive Government projects on the table. Just before Christmas, we

have from the Secretary of State's permanent Secretary about the

evaluation of high-speed ond. This was two years late and not hncluded

in the early evaluation is for High Speed 2. How can he convincd us that

he has a grip on the costs of this project and that the House will have

full scrutiny of it? CalMac what I would say is that the honourable

lady representing London constituency and will receive the

benefit of Crossrail. That hs a very expensive scheme, not dissililar to

the first part of phase two of HS2. That is how we're doing it. We're

evaluating it very carefullx indeed. We will look very closely at the

things the Public Accounts Committee tells us. They always tell ts in

hindsight, never in advance. If the Wigan spa proceeds, does th`t mean

that when it comes to extending the HS2 line-up to Scotland, it will go

up the West Coast, rather than the east coast? Thereby missing out the

north-east Newcastle? No. I very much want to see Newcastle served,

as I want to see other locations. Those decisions are yet to be taken.

There is no reason why Newc`stle cannot be serviced, as far `s the

east side of HS2 is concerndd. We welcome the decision to accdlerate

HS2's construction to Crewe. The whole construction is cruci`l for

the Midlands and the North. This target has slipped by two ydars

prolonging difficulty and uncertainty for residents and

investors. There must be no doubt about the Government's commhtment to

phase two. If the Chancellor with a Cheshire constituency was to

terminate the route south of Manchester, it would be an `bject

betrayal of the Northern powerhouse. I agree with the first point. I have

had no stronger support frol any member of the Government more than

from the Chancellor of the Dxchequer in promoting the scheme. Evdn though

it does affect his constitudncy and he is clear as to the benefht it

will bring, not just to the north, but to the UK as a whole. To some

home imply that the Chancellor is against the scheme is compldtely

wrong. I agree with her. But it is also right and one of the rdasons

that I said I hoped to have the full scheme announced by the end of the

year, tea leaves only way to make announcements sooner if possible, to

relieve the plight of certahn areas which may not be affected... Number

three, Mr Speaker. We are ddtermined to achieve the target of 10$

biofuels inclusion by 2020 `nd are working with industry and others to

that end. Thank you. There has been a ?400 million investment in fuels

in my constituency. It provhdes 4000 jobs. The most cost-effective way of

meeting transport emissions targets is to increase the share of bio

ethanol in petrol. I must ddclare an interest as a hundred tonnes of

material went to that plant. It is important we work together for a

sustainable future. We must look carefully at knock-on effects in

terms of decisions we make hn Europe, which can affect habitat in

South America or the far east. With the Minister agree it is essential

we get on with alternative fuels? Without it, levels of endnote two

are causing permanent health managed to many people. At Tinsley, the

local authority has decided to move a school away from the motorway

Residents are still living there. In the end, it is down to Government to

deal with problems such as `ir pollution from the motorway. When

will the act? In the wake of the Volkswagdn

scandal, we are working tow`rds that. We are pushing towards other

fuel vehicles that have a p`rt to play and the governorate is

determined to improve quality. I am glad my honourable friend h`s just

mentioned a lecture vehicles, because Continental, which hs a

major developer in electric car drive trains, making them for many

manufacturers, is based on ly constituency. What is this

department is doing to encotrage the development of electric cars?

Certainly, the car grants h`ve been very successful. We have sedn an

increase in the take-up of dlectric cars and as recently a teens, we

have opened up a testing facility to test electric car, because the UK is

taking a lead. This technology is being developed in the UK and this

is a major product produced in the UK to contribute to this market On

behalf of the SNP members, can I add my thanks and best wishes to the

departing staff members. I wish them a happy retirement. Mr Speaker, we

know there are good works that need to be done, but there is a glaring

omission within the Governmdnt's worked just now. Regardless of the

current fuel position, therd is a need to plan ahead. Oslo airport has

become the first airport to use a sustainable jet biofuel. Groups have

already signed agreements to buy the fuel. Meanwhile, here, the `viation

ministry has raised concerns that this aviation agenda is not been

supported by Government. Willingness to reconsider his position `nd

include aviation in renewable transport obligations? I thhnk in

terms of the sustainability of aviation, this is an import`nt year.

We should get, I hope, an agreement on Haymarket -based mechanism to

combat the issue of CO2. Thd industry are working with British

Airways and virgin to reducd waste product, which will help

sustainability of aviation. I do not think anybody, especially the

aviation industry, is frustrated by the exhalations. The aviation

industry tells me the UK Government is an policy paralysis. It hs not

dealing with biofuel developing or airport expansion. Can we ask the

Minister to commit to action on renewable transport fuel is an

obligation for aviation? But is not the impression I get when I meet

with representatives of the aviation industry. Sustainable aviathon is an

industry -led initiative. I think this is a very important ye`r for

the world in terms of tacrine CO2 emissions from aviation and a global

-based mechanism is something we all want to achieve. I really do need to

press the minister a bit further on this. Recently, British Airways

postponed their green sky project to establish a facility to produce a

fast biofuel aviation in thd UK While the issues involved that are

no doubt complex, will be Mhnister listen to the increasingly

widespread warnings from those involved in aviation that inaction

and lack of clear policy direction from the Government are holding back

the development and use of renewable fuels in aviation, missing

opportunities to boost jobs and skills, and making it more difficult

to meet our obligations on carbon emissions? I can understand the

honourable gentleman's frustration at wanting to make more progress,

but there are more than one ways of killing a cat. Yes, alternative

fuels have an important place, but more importantly, a market ,based

mechanism will allow other types of technology to be developed which can

then be used to offset the dmissions from aviation, which will always be

depended on liquid fuels. The Minister I fear is been acctsed of

what we might call metaphorhcal in exactitude.

Question number four, Mr Spdaker. Thank you very much will stop I

shared a platform with the Scottish minister Keith Brown at the HS2

conference on the 5th of November in Edinburgh. We discussed the benefits

for Scotland and my right honourable friend the Secretary of State has

arranged to meet Keith next week. I was actually going to ask a question

about that very thing, and H will. The Minister will recall he was

previously asked by my honotrable friend about the potential for

increase of journey times north of crude to Scotland. Under thd current

proposals for HS2, at the thme, he suggested that the upgrade on the

line were already on the wax, therefore, will he now commhtted to

providing the Scottish Government with a definitive timetable for

these upgrade works? Well, H can tell the honourable lady th`t HS2

will deliver increased benefits for Scotland from day one. Trains will

leave Glasgow from day one `nd indeed, journey times will be

reduced from four hours and 31 minutes to three hours and 46

minutes. The network will bdnefit Scotland to the tune of ?3 billion.

Interesting, she does not mdntion Nicola Sturgeon's own bullet train,

the Glasgow-Edinburgh train, which she announced in 2012. She has now

given her a bullet train thd bullet. Number five, sir. Thank you very

much, Mr Speaker. The Government understands how important it is to

have a reliable road network and that is why we are looking for 6

billion for local road maintenance and into the portal action fund

Grateful for that answer and I am very pleased that the Minister has

agreed to come to Shrewsburx sin to look at some congestion problems we

have in the town. But can I draw his attention to the state of roads in

rural counties, with a huge number of potholes, lack of pavements and

significant problems, and wd really need more investment for those roads

in floral counties. I am looking forward to my visit to the

honourable friend's constittency. We are going on the 27th of Max. I

agree with his point that more budget is required, which is why the

Government has increased its budget. I would like to mention that we are

also incentivising part of the maintenance fund solely defhcient

and in organised councils are rewarded. Cash back and org`nised

councils are rewarded. The local council will benefit to this from

the maximum. From this year until 2021, the A1 and the A19 will be

undergoing extensive roadworks. Whilst this investment is wdlcome,

the current plans show that both roads are going to be upgraded at

the same time. This will crdate total chaos on a region's road

network and bring the north,east to a total standstill. I have written

to the Secretary of I thank my honourable friend for

that question. I will indeed join him in praising Dorset County

Council. It is greatly Tudor long-term approach is paying

dividends. I will write to Dorset to highlight to them the viewers of

this House and offer our congratulations. I will confirm his

main point that budgets will increase. Last year, ?4.5 mhllion in

compensation was awarded for damage due to potholes. Last year, the

Government allocated from Westminster extra money to deal with

the issue of potholes. Can H ask the minister would you consider the same

amount of money for this ye`r? Well, I will certainly look into that

question and rights to the honourable gentleman with the

answer. Just for the avoidance of doubt, can I put on the record I

have never actually skinned a cat. LAUGHTER

But I have skinned a large number of rabbits, and I imagine any

principles are the same. To answer this question, the department is

providing over ?7 billion for the devolved local growth fund, which

will fund over 500 local tr`nsport projects by 2021. This also includes

?475 billion for local transport schemes that are too large for the

default allocations. We will provide further details in the spring. I

would like to thank the Secretary of State for meeting with me and my

honourable friend and members for Thornbury last week to disctss our

campaign for a new junction on the M4. Can my honourable friend make an

assessment on that, which whll reduce congestion? Certainlx, I have

seen examples and down the country where projects like this have

unlocked growth and created jobs in particular areas. I have asked

England today tickles the abyss Thank you, Mr Speaker. Can H call

for evidence for future road projects. One of the areas hs

connecting northern cities. We have put evidence into the commission for

the trans-Pennine Tunnel link. Could the minister in for me whether he

knows when the report will be made and after that, how soon will he

make his mind up about which project he might fund? Certainly thdse

decisions will be made quicker than they were in the previous L`bour

Government, which didn't get get rent investing in infrastructure.

The infrastructure Commission is looking at big-ticket items, major

projects which will be transformational for areas, not

least in the North of England, and we are determined to push forward

with that Powerhouse project. Following on from the answer to the

question for my honourable friend, will the new junction on thd M4

unlock new jobs in Emersons Green? My honourable friend was at that

meeting and he made those points to the secretary of state. It hs

absolutely vital that we look at how we can unlock growth and jobs

through investment in infrastructure, something this

Government understands. Is the minister able to see whether funding

will be available for a verx important local project, whhch is

extending the overground line from West Croydon through to Sattrn,

which would enable passengers to rely on better services and use

those on set? We have got investment in both our conventional

RealNetworks, high-speed rahl and the strategic roads network as well

as working with local authorities on their local schemes and that is just

the sort of scheme will look closely at. Compelling business casd for the

crossing in Lowestoft was stbmitted to his department just before

Christmas. I would be grateful if you could advise as to whether a bid

will be submitted to the local maintenance fund so we can get on

and build this bridge and it is completed by 2020? I had thd

pleasure of visiting my honourable friend's constituency and sden that

issue for myself, and I will certainly be in a position to make

an announcement in due course. At the last transport questions, I

asked the Secretary of Statd if you could look into the issue of excess

noise coming from the M60 w`terway, which has been made worse as a

result of the Denton pinch points scheme. Since then, I have let with

officers of highways England on site with the residents and highways

England officers have basic`lly told me they will not do anything because

it only affects eight properties. Can the Minister please meet with me

to discuss this, to knock some common sense into Highways Dngland,

who has given me a jobsworth answer? I know that around the country there

are particular communities `ffected by noise and often mitigation can be

put in place by putting in better road surface materials or pttting in

noise barriers. Maybe something could be done in that area. Can I

suggest you get in touch with the roads minister, who will no doubt be

very happy to meet with him. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Just days `fter the

Government election, he will sing for himself the impact of transport

disruption caused by this whnter's unprecedented winter condithons I

am sure he would join me in paying tribute to Network Rail, who managed

to get lines open within fotr days. We remain committed to getthng all

these lines back up and abld to run a full service safely, as soon as.

And sure she would also likd to thank passengers for their patience

during this time. Thank you. I absolutely sure that apprechation

for passengers and their patience. Money is being taken away from

routine maintenance and flood defences. There is a massivd effect

on our local economy. If thdre has been an assessment carried out,

surely that should be made public? I must disagree. The Governlent

announced that its flood spdnding will be ?1.7 billion higher than in

the previous period. Within our transport Budget, around ?900

billion is dedicated to things like making sure banks and busindsses are

safe. Improving the rail network, making sure it is fit for a changing

climate, it's absolutely central to our investment in the railw`ys.

Could the Minister clarify what discussions have taken placd with

colleagues in Defra to prep`re rail links for the flood damage that is

likely to happen in the next weeks and months, as a result of climate

change? All of the COBRA discussions dealing with the immediate

after-effects had strong tr`nsport representation. I saw for mxself

with her counterpart from the SNP in Scotland, the impact of the scarring

on the lamington viaduct and that bridge has been there for over a 100

years and has never been so damaged by a weather event. It will be open

by the 1st of March. We takd these links incredibly important day. Two

years ago, the Prem and it stood on the ruins of the Polish sea wall and

said, if money needs to be spent, it will be spent if resources `re

required, we will provide them. Now, we learn that Network Rail cannot

fund even a report on improving the south-west's railway lines, putting

millions of pounds of investment risk. Yesterday, the feminist could

not say whether that money ,- where that money would come from. Will the

real Minister on her right honourable friend's commitmdnt and

committed to funding? The honourable lady must sort out her facts. This

Government spent 35 money in pounds on the Dawlish repair. It opened in

record time. We are spending over ?400 billion on transport investment

in the south-west, unlike otr party, who wanted to can to major roads.

And I am looking very careftlly if she would like to listen rather than

chapter, at how do we found a small amount of money that in no way

inhibits the overall report we looking forward to seeing from this

very important organisation in April. The Government believes

franchising is the best way to deliver benefits for passengers and

taxpayers. Proof is in the benefit we came in an open market, such as

new trains, more frequent sdrvices and improved stations. We are

consulting on the specification for the next south western franchise. I

hope my honourable friend is fully engaged in this process. Th`nk you.

Southern rail allegedly serves several stations in my constituency

but commuters are fed up with cancellations and severe delays I

am glad the Secretary of St`te acknowledges the service is not good

enough but will he reassure me that the main line West is considered as

part of future improvement plans? Will be franchise be withdr`wn if no

such improvement shown? We `re seeing unprecedented growth in rail

traffic and transport. The importance is matched by thd way the

Government has increased investment for Network Rail. Some of these

improvements must take placd. However, while some of it is taking

place, there will be disruption That may be because the trahn

operating companies are responsible but it could also be the result of

failure is on behalf of previous governments to upgrade the railways.

There is unlikely to be much UK steel in the train building contract

just ordered to the Spanish, what can the Government do to usd

franchising and other measures to ensure that its new procurelent

guidelines, which are a big step in right direction, begin to h`ve some

purchase, to make sure we h`ve steel content in contracts? Firstly, I

would point out the amount of money spent by Network Rail when

purchasing steel. That is an important move in the right place.

It would have been a bigger betrayal to people in the North if wd had not

said we need new rolling stock. I am pleased that this Government will

see this replacement. Record investment has been put into the

railways by this Government. For many years, commuters in my

constituency have found that carriages at rush hour are heavily

overcrowded. About the third worst in the country. Can we be assured

that the new franchising rule will deal with this? Whether the new rule

leads to more problems on that track... I am pleased that the

investment is taking place `nd not least the work on the Farnborough

tunnel. That will increase capacity and availability of electric trains

to serve his constituency. Could the Secretary of State learn from the

Scottish Government in terms of franchising? As well as cre`ting

capacity, get commitments from real living wage for staff,

apprenticeships, not compulsory at redundancies? I trust the Scottish

Government is learning from what we have achieved in franchises. A lot

of policies being followed by the Scottish Government are basdd on

policies we implemented. In 201 , FirstGroup, who ran First Great

Western, avoided paying contractual premium payments to the Tre`sury by

choosing not to take up an extension. In January, the Secretary

of State abandoned the petition for a new franchise and simply `greed to

a renewal until 2015 and announced a second direct award running until

2019, avoiding inconveniencd over competitive bidding process. Has the

Government not made a mockery of the free franchise? Can I welcole the

honourable member to his post? I hope he lasts longer than hhs

predecessor. The franchise... Can I just point out to the Shadow

Minister for rail, the contract he refers to, was a contract ndgotiated

by the last Labour Government. I am pleased to remind him of thd words

of the role member for toothng. He said that one reason we are able to

invest record sums in our r`ilways is the revenues that franchhsing

brings in the premiums it p`ys. That was when he was in a position of

responsibility. In May 2000 seven. Minister at the box. Sorry, I didn't

hear you, Mr Speaker. Apologies We meet regularly with Network Rail

regarding the trans-Pennine line. This will deliver fast journey times

and increased capacity. And I associate myself with the gdnerous

jujitsu paid to those great servants of the House -- generous trhbute is

paid. Real ministers today have challenged us over the facts. The

trans-Pennine electrification is in severe doubt because of what is

happening in the south. Electrification is four years late,

new trains arrive before thd rails are ready and they are packhng up

inside it. You will be on the party invitation list with a question of

such length! Under this Govdrnment, we have seen more electrification

than we saw the entire 13 ydars of the Labour Government. The North of

England rail electric edition task force, which the minister chaired,

recommended Liverpool, Manchester Warrington, with other locations as

a third priority. When will they work take place on this project

That task force was about informing the next control period and the one

after that. The detailed content is not yet complete. Number 11, please.

Number ten, a modest differdnce but an important one. This is ddsigned

to assist families in the constituency. We will provide ?

million to Lancashire Countx Council to help prioritise repairs.

Congratulations on your response to the floods. Can the Minister look at

private bridges in Rossendale and Darwen? I understand he is not

liable but there were a couple of places where they collapsed, causing

flooding and millions of potnds worth of damage. If we can find

money to repair them, it cotld be a case of a stitch in time saves nine.

I will look at that. We're not in a position to provide assistance for

private infrastructure which is not a public right of way. The TK

freight sector is dependent on areas like Lancashire. Given that

ministers have come to this House three times to say the storls are

unprecedented, they clearly are not. What will the Government do to make

sure our national infrastructure has resilience and that there are plans

for rapid repairs? The strategic road network has been particularly

resilient, despite the storls we have had. Network Rail have been

valiant in the way they havd fixed problems. Particularly over

Christmas. They engaged in `n upgrade programme. We must learn

lessons. Network Rail are on stand-by this week in areas where

they suspect there may be problems. It might I shall ask question number

11. Since I have the abilitx to count. Clearly a man who has had a

double espresso this morning. I have had discussions with Network Rail

and this issue has not yet been raised. I was proud to open this

upgrade on the line. A masshve improvement for freight cap`city and

four passenger capacity. Network Rail produced track noise and

vibration through welded rahl use. I am astonished that she is unaware of

the issue. I have been cont`cted by large numbers of constituents,

suffering from noise and vibrations from the line. Will my honotrable

friend put pressure on Network Rail so that they do something to help?

Again, I know huge amount of consultation went on with this

scheme, including for local schoolchildren to let them know of

the dangers of high speed trains. If the honourable member can sdt out

his concerns in more detail, I will of course reason is at my ndxt

meeting. Mr Speaker, I have had regular discussions with ministerial

colleagues on the new Europdan emission test cards. The Government

strongly supports the emisshons agreement, expected to reduce

real-world oxides, and nitrogen emissions from diesel cars. The

Secretary of State will be `ware that the European Commission has

proposed new rules to test car emissions, following the Volkswagen

scandal. What discussions h`d - has the UK Government had? Therd have

been negotiations. I did report back to the House on the conclushons of

the transport Council. This is an important subject that we address

across car manufacturing. Thank you. Highways England's delivery plan

sets out how they will deliver the Government strategy. Work on site is

already under way in 19 major schemes. I will meet with them on a

monthly basis to monitor progress. Thank you for that reply. Wd're

grateful for the upgrade of a road in my constituency. We are keen to

get a report to a dentist bx the precise route, to commence work in

2019. Can the Minister give an update, please?

I can indeed. We anticipate engagement with stakeholders and the

wider public later this year. We are on track to start constructhon in

2019 as planned and I last Highways in winter to keep you inforled of

progress. Thank you, Mr Spe`ker With the EU minister give md

reassurance that the long ndeded and very congregated link Road hn my

constituency will be perhaps properly looked at because ht can

deliver new jobs, reduce congestion and increase productivity and access

to Southampton Airport, and has been decades in waiting? Let me start by

congratulating her for this work on this issue. She has put an dnormous

amount of effort into it. It is a significant local problem, the

congestion there. I am award that the work that the council are doing

and perhaps it would be helpful if we met outside of Europe to discuss

what we can do to move this project forward. Question 14. I would like

to pay tribute to Network R`il and hard-working army of more than

20,000 staff, who successfully delivered some ?150 million worth of

essential improvements to the network the holiday period `s part

of a record period of investment in railways. Planning for Eastdr is

well in advance and Christm`s is being embedded in the plannhng

process for beyond. Network Rail are rightly criticised when thex failed

to deliver, but given that tnsung success in delivering a large number

of complex projects on-time and on budget, would my honourable friend

join me insane well done to the Army for a job well done? I am more than

happy to do that. It is verx difficult to do these works. We do

tend to do them over a bank holidays when there is not much usagd on the

network. I realise that causes inconvenience to those who want to

travel by but that is a major part of thes and upgrade that is vitally

necessary. The right on-board gentleman as an sure is a fdllow

West MP is pleased the Government has already invested about ?400

million in rail infrastructtre in the south-west. Recently, the main

line to Penzance, developing a freight network and electrifying the

main Western mainline, refurbishing the Cornish sleeper, a brand-new

station at Newport, just outside his constituency, and indeed another

station planned in his constituency, plus 29 new trains. This Government

gets the importance of rail investment in the south-west. Of

course, the electrification she talks about is to south Walds, not

into the south-west. Mr Spe`ker the people of the West Country well

remember the repeated promises made by the Transport Secretary `nd by

the Chancellor and Prime Minister of billions of pounds of investment of

rail in the south-west and she has just, a moment ago, failed once

again to confirm the Governlent will commit a paltry ?500,000 for the

feasibility study that Devon and Cornwall needs after the Dawlish

disaster to improve resilience and rail transport times. Don't the

people of the south-west fedl rightly completely betrayed by this

Government? Mr Speaker, month after month, the honourable gentldman gets

here and seems to be in complete denial about the fact that his

Government did nothing for the people of the south-west and his

party wanted to cancel the vital A358 Five Rd scheme which hdlps

people direct to his constituency. I am happy to discuss this further

that the very small amount of money that is required to do one technical

feasibility study, a tiny p`rt of the south-west task force study I

am looking at ways to find that and we expect that report out in April

and deliver a real, strateghc uplift of what this region requires. To

help my honourable friend, which she be willing to meet with mysdlf and

fellow colleagues in the sotth-west to ensure the Network Rail `nd the

task force has enough funding for the two studies into the

electrification of the line and the reduction in journey times? I am

always happy to meet with mx honourable friend. Let me gdntly

remind them Network Rail have already spent almost ?3.5 mhllion

support in the analysis of the resilient writ and a very vhtal it

geological survey of the se` cliffs along this area. This work will be

done, the Government will lhsten, and this Government, unlike that

slot, will invest in the sotth-west. -- unlike that lot. I have dnormous

sympathy for those people flooded out of their homes. I am determined

we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with local commtnities

as they strive to return to business as usual. That is why I comlission

those highways agencies and Network Rail to work particularly closely

with local authorities directly affected by flooding. Unsustainable

cuts have left Lancashire County Council only able to providd

statutory services across the county. This is an end to fdar box

subsidies. Bus routes have been cut or downgraded by this Government

nationally. Why is it that this Government is leaving bus users

without services? Mr Speaker, I think the honourable gentlelan needs

to question Labour as they control the council on how they provide

those services, along with other local authorities, which have

managed to enhance their bus services. My department has secured

funding and will continue to do so, and will continue to support bus

services across the country. Can you comment on the timetable ch`nges on

the quality of commuters lids in Southend, and the franchise has been

renewed. The impact is now being blamed on the Government. Would my

right honourable friend leave the train operators in no doubt at all

that the Member of Parliament for Southend West believes thesd

timetable changes are simplx untenable? I well remember ly

honourable friend campaigning to keep C2C as the franchise.

Obviously, any new changes darly on any franchise sometimes lead to

difficulties, but I am concdrned to work with my honourable fridnd. C2C

are improving the service and our one of the highest reliabilhty is

across the country. They ard going to be bringing in additional stock

later in the spring. Speaker, in last week was my opposition debate

on the cost of public transport the members opposite seemed reltctant to

say anything about buses and particularly about fares, which is

no surprise, because the department is hardly any information on this.

Others teleservices risen 26% in 2010, three times as fast as wages.

When will he start collecting and publishing the data? Or would you

rather the public did not know? Mr Speaker, I think, and I will check

this if I have been wrongly misinformed, I welcome back, but we

published the same data and more has been published. Mr Speaker, oil

prices are now low, but we have not seen bus operators passing on those

savings to passengers. It w`s different when oil prices wdre going

up, when Ferrers went up to. We ll be state put pressure on thd

operators to cut fares? Will he stand up for bus passengers? I hope

that bobsleighers come down -- I hope that bus fares come down. Fuel

prices are only one part of our industry's costs. The other is about

investment in new buses, whhch I very much welcome and I havd seen

many examples of that taking place. Quite often, oil is bought hn

advance, but I do agree with him that bus companies should look to

see if there is room to redtce the cost of the use of buses. Thank you.

Thousands of hard-working pdople from my constituency rely, like me,

to get into London every dax by train. We are utterly despahring at

the ever declining service tnder the new franchise. What assurance can

the Minister give us that the ThamesLink will be head to `ccount

for these failures and what hope can he provide for future improvements

to the service? Mr Speaker, the honourable gentleman knows that I

think it is inexcusable that some customers on this part of the

network are not receiving the service they deserve. The n`tional

rail passenger survey this week said that three out of four passdngers on

this franchise well in fact satisfied with the service. But

problems are being fixed, stch as driver sorted is and old tr`ins but

Network Rail have got to do better when it comes to fixing faults and

communicating with these passengers. It is the fact that these lhnes are

very old, successive governlents failed to invest in them and we are

all completely committed to getting all part of this franchise back to

high performance. In the light of a recent proposal to build a railway

line from China to Europe whth capacity for freight and passenger

traffic, will we consider what further investment is required to

ensure that regions and nathons of Britain are effectively linked to

the content? I had one of the most interesting and informative meetings

with the honourable gentlem`n, who has been a long-standing calpaigner

for this. I think the idea hs appealing in concept, but it does

need to be examined in a lot more detail and a stronger econolic case

made. I would welcome his involvement and the involvelent of

others in putting a more substantive business case before me. As a result

of changes shockingly agreed by the Labour Government in 2006, the rail

Minister knows that only three out of 63 trains a day operate

cross-country on so-called hntercity service and the at least at the city

of Gloucester. Would my honourable friend agree with me that it is

absolutely vital that a significant increase in the numbers of trains

stopping at cost is a vital part of any settlement to extend thd

cross-country franchise? Thdre is a reason Gloucester has electdd the

honourable gentleman twice now, because unlike the last lot, he

stands offer a rail link is for his constituency. He has made hhs case

many times that the rail link in question is a very important one.

The cross-country consultathon process is currently in consultation

and he will make a good representation. Thank you, Lr

Speaker. What discussions h`s the Minister had on the VCA had with

folks like to ensure that UK taxpayers are not out of pocket for

the resetting and testing of Volkswagen vehicles following the

scandal? As I referred to the answer which I gave your honourabld friend

some time ago, discussions `re ongoing on this particular latter.

It is something I have taken up and have taken up meetings with folks

like in. I believe they appdared before the Transport Committee

earlier this week as well. Can my right honourable friend tell the

House has Arriva acquiring the Northern Rail franchise will help to

support the Northern Powerhouse construction? And more importantly,

will it help improve rail sdrvices in the Macclesfield constittency? I

think my honourable friend should know that the last time this

franchise was led, in 2004, it was a growth exercise. That is quhte

reversed what we have done. The new franchise will oversee the complete

removal of the outdated places by Rita in the year. Brand-new

air-conditioned carriages, lore than 2000 extra services will be provided

each week, including around 400 on Sundays. Space furnished 130,00

passengers and ?5 million investment in stations. So, yes, you whll see a

major improvement. Government support for hydrogen fuel cdll

technology. Can you comment on that? Thank you, Mr Speaker. Hydrogen fuel

for electric vehicles has the potential to play in Portug`l indeed

carbonise and transport and -- developing a road map for hxdrogen

transport. I think it has a long future. Is the Secretary of State

aware that back in the 17th century, the border of King's Lynn w`s the

fourth largest in the country and it has been thriving ever sincd, but is

now under severe threat frol a pernicious and job destroying

European import services regulation? What will the Minister do to make

the EU sees sense and withdraw this unwonted regulation? Thank xou. I

have always made it clear that this regulation is not required to

protect UK problems, becausd we already have a competitive port

sector. The general approach of the council did address many of our

concerns, particular to the market exemption. This week, the ET

Parliament committee did not give the committee the mandate to go

forward to trial. At the molent it is running into the deep sand and I

hope it will remain there. St Helens North is in the Mersey travdl area,

but thousands of my constittents commute outside it to work hn Wigan,

Warrington and Manchester, leaning they effectively pay a levy on their

journey. What progress has been made towards a smart ticketing sxstem for

the North of England? The transport for the organisation are developing

their plans for smart ticketing across the North. The Government has

provided ?150 million to provide them help with this project. We in

Nottinghamshire and thank Gordon Brown for dualling the A46.

Unfortunate, as is often thd way, the money ran out and it ends

outside new work and the grhdlock begins. Will my right honourable

friend confirm that the Aa 46 to win thought is in the Government's plan

and could be brought My honourable friend is a dhligent

campaigner on this issue. Wd met in October. It is a highly complex

scheme. The Government will begin construction in our next period

Development work begins now. I cannot tell him that the scheme is

coming forward. As we appro`ch merely the second anniversary of the

privately financed initiative to electrify the line at Selby, Italian

minister update us on this no-brainer, a benefit to both the

travelling public and... ? This is a ground-breaking way to deliver

infrastructure. We want to deliver this. I am happy to get an tpdate on

the exact timing and write to her. This morning, my train to London

Bridge got me in on time. Whth the Minister agree that as well as being

negative, we should be positive to our rail networks when they get it

right, most days? Correct. There has been a massive upgrade on this line.

There will be difficulties `t certain stages during the

reconstruction of the line. Once it is finished, it will be a f`r

superior line and will benefit from the new trains later this spring.

Proposals published yesterd`y by the EU commission on emissions standards

was a real opportunity to ttrn a corner and get to grips with an

industry that for too long has circumvented environmental

regulations. Will he give us an assurance that these propos`ls will

not become a bargaining chip in the Prime Minister's renegotiathon,

resulting in a watered-down outcomes? We will consider carefully

what we will do with the proposals made by the commission. The impact

which the events in Sharm el-Sheikh have had on the Egyptian economy

cannot be overstated. Can the 1 million British holiday-makdrs who

wish to go there go back? I cannot yet say when the resumption of

flights might be possible. We reached a decision with the Egyptian

of in December. Since then, we have an ongoing presence in Sharl

el-Sheikh, working with Egyptians and good progress is being lade I

fully understand the import`nce to Egypt of the resumption of flights

to that country and those destinations. Leeds City Cotncil is

consulting on road options to Leeds Bradford Airport. They are hgnoring

the option of a rail link. Why is this being done? Connectivity to

airports has long been underestimated in transport policy.

That certainly applies to Ldeds Bradford. Work is being devdloped to

look at improving connectivhty. I would suggest he joined the campaign

being run by the honourable member for Pudsey on this issue. I warmly

welcome the prospectus offering new rail passengers services in London

and the south-east. I wonder if my honourable friend could reassure me

that where it says that Crossrail two would allow improved suburban

services and new trains to love on to new tracks, there is an plan to

try to run this enhanced metro on the present rickety to track system,

thereby further delaying tr`ins from out of suburban stations? The

document released by the Maxor of London last week was a constltation

document and I will take my friend's question as part of that

consultation exercise and whll not leave alone the points he m`de. The

main platform at a railway station in my constituency is only

accessible via steep steps, meaning disabled, the elderly or infirm

cannot access it. Will the Linister meet with me or perhaps visht the

station to see how we can f`cilitate improvements? I am happy to discuss

these issues. Over 400 stathons have significantly benefited frol the

investment of the Access for all scheme. Clearly, there is more to

do. I am afraid we must movd on Urgent question. Mr Owen Smhth.

Thank you. May I ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he

will make a statement on thd Court of Appeal ruling that the bddroom

tax has caused discrimination contrary to article 14 of the

European Convention on Human