Transport Questions House of Commons

welcome to BBC Parliament's live coverage from the House of Commons.

In an hour's time Chris Grayling will outline the forthcoming

business in the chamber and take questions. After that MPs will

debate two issues. The first on the privatisation of the land Registry

and then a debate on bank branch closures. Join me for a round-up of

the day at 11pm tonight. First, questions to Transport Secretary,

Patrick McLaughlin, and his team of ministers. The first question is all

about the cost of public transport. Realtors are raised by 0.7% last

year thanks to the Government's cap meaning they rose by less than

earnings for the first time since 2003. Outside London, deregulated

bus fares rose by 1.7% last year with the Government spending 1.7 a B

that by 1.7 pounds a year. I thank the Minister for that

response but what a quarter of unemployed 18-24 -year-old is

finding the cost of a bus fare is a barrier to getting a job and what

steps does the Minister intend to take to ensure young people have

access to work and training? There are concessionary fare

targeted exactly at that group. Both on the rail network where there are

specific discount fares for job-seekers and often this is a

matter for local authorities to work with the bus operators and the boss

Bill at committee stage currently gives local authorities additional

powers, should they choose to use them.

After many years of conservative in deregulation and privatisation we

find many of our bus and rail operators are owned by European

companies, some by European governments, indeed. Given we're not

exactly flavour of the month in Europe and British passengers are

subsidising other countries, what can be Secretary of Street fail us

to reassure us we will not see our fears arise as a consequence?

It is a pleasure to see the gentleman on the front bench

morning. They may have ownership structures involving foreign

entities but any operator in the UK is a UK based company employing UK

staff headquartered in the UK and continuing to invest in a successful

rail and bus programme across the country.

I am not sure that house will be entirely reassured by that. We

already talked about the boss 's bill and it could be secretary of

state take this opportunity to withdraw the punitive clause 21

which is stopping local councils creating a municipal bus companies,

successful bus companies. What is the secretary of state got against

British success stories like nothing calm and Reading which do so well?

We believe and parliamentary democracy and this is currently in

the committee stage in the Lords and we will have an opportunity to

debate these points when it comes to our chamber. Number two, Mr Speaker.

I discussed emergency towing capability in Scotland with the

right honourable gentlemen on June the knife and we also had an

informal chat this week on the subject. That's my 9th of June. We

have spoke to all interested parties to extend provision based beyond

December 2016 and I intend to make an announcement soon.

We look forward to the announcement. The less stakeholders meeting

received a risk assessment, a proper substantial piece of work

commissioned from the private sector which made it clear to remove Mr

Hogg would be an unacceptable risk for the coastal island communities

of Scotland. -- remove tug. Well he make sure that this is a risk

assessment is on his desk and at the heart of its considerations? I can

reassure the house I understand the importance of Maritime safety in

these northern waters. Not only from the port of pollution and we know

how dangerous oil pollution can be but also in terms of our seafarers

on the water being at risk. . Ministers have had no discussions

with representatives of Nottingham City Council on the use of income

from their workplace parking levy scheme and officials have been in

contact with officials from Nottingham City Council.

Devolving power to the city of Nottingham by enabling them to do

workplace parking levy has led to nothing am having the biggest fleet

of electric buses in Europe, redevelopment of the rail station

and the tram lines being enables to come to Nottingham and now been

extended. With the Minister, to Nottingham, see these developments

and also discuss what the City Council how the shortfall of EU

funding will be made good sort these things can continue?

I entirely agree, this is even positive time for public transport

in Nottingham. The parking levy raises between its- ?9 million a

year and also contributes to the tram system. -- 8- ?9 million a

year. Much of the enhancements we see are coming from central

Government but I would be delighted to come to Nottingham, they are

doing a very good job and I would be happy to discuss the funding

arrangements. Question number four, Mr Speaker.

I am sure my honourable friend will join me in welcoming the

introduction of an additional 9000 six on the Essex gripped by January

next year and by 2024, capacity will increase by a further 16,000 seats.

-- on the Essex ripped. There has been some criticism from

constituents about sea to sea services. Well my right honourable

friend share with the house when he expects further new rolling stock to

be provided by C2C -- C2C and when he would expect the Greater Anglia

franchise to be announced? They are a number of improvements

coming onto the C2C line which, I know in the past, my honourable

friend has been very critical and welcome many of the changes brought

on by the new franchise. That does lead to changes something that can

take time to bed in I know you very much welcomed the extra availability

and new seats and they hope to see those in operation as soon as

possible. -- and I hope. He will know the rolling stock serving the

South West of England dates from the 1970s and we are eagerly awaiting

are operated trains. What assessment has he and his department made of

the impact of Brexit and the economic shock from Brexit on our

overall investment plans for transport system?

I am very pleased to be travelling on one of the new trends today. The

mark of the 150 years of part of the village which serves his town and

constituency. I am very... I do apologise to the right honourable

gentlemen. The investment we have seen and we are seeing on his line

as far as the nutrient and a new AT300 which will also serve further

into the south-west are aware, and I am pleased he is welcoming that

investment. Following on from the question for

Southend West can the minister assure me that the East Anglia rail

franchise announcement is imminent so we in the east to move out of the

savings? -- sidings. I know of the desire of all my

colleagues in East and that you about the new franchise and I hope

not to have to keep on waiting too long.

Version East Coast rail with the script the refurb of some of the all

trained as like giving granny a new dress. Isn't he aware of the state

of the Rolling stock on East Coast, when will it improve how can we

justify that sort of rolling stock when we waste much money on HS2?

What the honourable gentleman should be welcoming, which it always feels

to do, as the vast investment we are seeing on that railway line. --

always fails to do. He is now complaining about the upgrading of

stock in the interval before the new stock arrives. I thought he would

welcome that new servers and also the new service which will

eventually serve Huddersfield into London.

The secretary of state and myself use the Easter mainline to get to

and from our constituencies. The high-speed trains on that line are

rapidly approaching the end of the operating life. We'll be secretary

of state insure that replacement is with new rolling stock and not

recycled second-hand stock from other lines.

When we come to look at the franchise for the East Midlands

line, I am sure these are many of the issues that will be taken into

account. It is worth pointing out that since 2010, we have seen the

order of some almost 5000 new carriages for use in the UK's

railway network. That is one of the biggest upgrades we have ever seen

on our railway stock. Like my honourable friend, as a regular user

of these midlands line, I also hope to see that get new rolling stock in

due course. The Cumbrian coast rail -- railway line serves my

constituency and I get complaints about rolling stock. Some of the

carriages date from the 1970s. With a new franchise holder, can I ask

what the Government is doing to improve the situation? Another

things as far as the TransPennine route and northern route is

concerned. Not least this Government will be the Government that sees the

phasing out of the old train, which has always been promised and alluded

to. We will actually deliver on it. I am very pleased about that. But

although the honourable lady says there is more than easily done, I

accept that, but the very fact that, as I say, since 2010, some almost

5000 new carriages will have been ordered and put to use in the

railway network is a very commendable record. With all 900 as

his in construction in Woodford, residents around the area are facing

daily gridlock. With the Secretary of State agreed to meet with me to

alleviate this problem? I am sure that I will organise a meeting for

my honourable friend to discuss this problem. We did have a bit of a look

at it some time ago when I was last in her constituency. I am more than

happy to discuss any transport problems that she has. I think the

rolling stock is rather left the line, as I have been advised. Ie On

the side of generosity. But the supplementary was at best

tangentially related to the question on the paper. We will let off on

this occasion! Mr Speaker, the Government will soon update is

aviation policy framework as part of -- and as part of this, we will

consider the service obligations serving regional airports, which are

a social and economic lifeline to all parts of the UK. For Aberdeen as

an international oil and gas hob, the access we enjoy to his role as a

gateway to the rest of the world, it is as important is not more

important as it is to its access here in this fine City of London.

Aberdeen has looked at the prospect of a PS2 and would only provide

access to London airport. Winning point to point access. Will the

Secretary of State in sure that is considered? I would consider the

representations he has made and see if it is compatible with the overall

goals we want to oblige as far as public service obligation is

concerned. Thank you, Mr Speaker. With the Secretary of State agree

with me that these this inability and -- in stain of -- the

sustainability of airports could be improved, given that such activity

would benefit the UK? What proposals would deliver the desired

development of regional airports? I would like to star by welcoming the

honourable member to his position. I have been in this post just under

four years. He is now the fifth Shadow Secretary of State that I

have seen. And something like the 10th person to hold the Labour, the

brief from the Labour Party on transport in ten years. In welcoming

the honourable gentleman, I also say thanks to the honourable lady, the

member for Nottingham South, in the way which she conducted herself

whilst doing the job. Although at the moment she is sitting on the

backbenches, I'm sure that that is only a temporary measure while

certain things are sorted out. Mr Speaker, if I might now come to the

question that the honourable member asked, which I have almost forgotten

what it was! But the simple fact is, I think we agree on this. Regional

airports play a vital role in connectivity. One of the issues

about regional airports that was also alluded to in the previous

question is the access ability into the London airport system. That is

something we have to carefully consider over a number of issues and

there are some later questions which might deal with some of these

points. Thank you, Mr Speaker. The Davies Commission report came out

almost one year ago. When you tomorrow, in fact. In that

commission report, it was recommended the Government took a

different view over point-to-point PSNI owes. -- PSOs. Will the Cabinet

said the commit to really sink -- secretary committed to releasing

that information to help with PSO development. The Mayor of London has

already taken the decision on that. When a decision comes through to me,

we will have to follow proper process. I agree about the

opportunities for people coming into London airports. Thank you for that

answer. In the Davies Commission report, it also recommend that

obviously we look at expansion with some urgency. Other airports might

benefit through PSO connectivity like Heathrow and Gatwick. Can we

finally get a decision on expansion in airports in the Southeast or will

we see more and more fudge over the subject? I feel the honourable

gentleman has come in a bit too early. I intend to address the

points he has made on the question which is actually on the order paper

at question number eight. Thank you, Mr Speaker. The UK Government is

committed to the continued successful operation of these vital

crossings. The Government plans to consult this autumn about the

proposed halving of Tours, which represent a massive saving for

users, as well as other savings. My thanks to the Minister for attending

the recent meeting in the House of Commons with the freight transport

Association to talk about the future of the Severn Bridges. I know that

there will be a consultation and there is a real concern that the

bridges will be continued to be seen as a cash cow for the Government. I

won't irradiate -- I would like to reiterate that we would like Bridge

tolls to come down further. I enjoyed attending the meeting and

enjoyed hearing the views of businesses in Wales and Welsh

members. The concessional finished when 0.29 billion is returned from

tolls to the public purse. We expect that to be in LA 2018. We're working

on plans for after that transition. I entirely agree that keeping tolls

law will help businesses in the area. I have a large number of

college and private hire contract companies are my project

constituency, many who tried across the whole of the UK. They are very

concerned that the consultation is not just at paper exercise and the

Minister is listening. I would urge the Minister of listening to the

fact that once the tolls are finished, the bridges handed over to

the Welsh Assembly. Your Mac the bridges are primarily in England, so

that is an interesting Welsh land grab. As for listening to the voice

of us this is, if I did not, I would not have attended the meeting

arranged by my honourable friend with the freight transport

Association. Thank you, Mr Speaker. The Secretary of State retro --

regularly meet with the Home Secretary to discuss a number of

things, including border security. The most recent of which took place

on 26th of April this year. I understand incoming international

passengers at Edinburgh airport are experiencing lengthy delays as a

result of cuts to the number of Border Force officers available.

Giving the increasing passenger numbers there and the increased

needs for passport checks after Brexit, will the Minister take

urgent action to increase Border Force numbers that this airport? I

thank her for that question. I am pleased that we don't have border

checks and Eric upon Tweed when I travel north. That is a question she

should more reasonably put to the Home Office, who deal with these

matters. But as the aviation Minister, I am aware of the whole

airport experience and the long queues at immigration are not good

for the experience of people coming to our country. Question eight. Mr

Speaker, with permission, I will answer this question in question

ten. I had thought that we were able to announce a decision on airport

capacity this summer. Clearly, any announcement on airport capacity

would have to be made when the houses in session. Being realistic,

given recent events, I cannot now foresee an announcement until at

least October. We aim to publish more analysis on airport is soon.

And secondly, we will be looking at compensation for residents near the

airports and connectivity to other UK apostle stop we are fully

committed to delivering these important infrastructure projects,

including delivering runway capacity on the timetable set out by the

Davies report. It is another boring day at Westminster. I was rather

hoping the Secretary of State might inject some excitement into it for

me. Nobody can accuse the Secretary of State of rushing this decision.

But post-Brexit, with a number of countries now banging on the door of

the UK to do trade deals, doesn't he agree with me that increasing

airport capacity both at London city, London Heathrow and Gatwick

will be vitally important to British businesses throughout the whole of

the UK? Well, Mr Speaker, I can say that I would have liked to have been

in the position of asking the House to make a decision and endorsing the

decision. We're not going to be in that position. We have to be

realistic. I agree with my honourable friend. He may regard

this as a boring day in the House of Commons but it is certain not

boarding in Westminster! The Secretary of State will know that

I'm going to make the case for Birmingham Airport. Could he say

whether there is still time, whenever this report comes out, for

Birmingham Airport to make the case for the 250,000 jobs that could flow

if there is a second runway near? Mr Speaker, looking at the honourable

lady's question, I do not rely she would raise Birmingham. Question is

this only talks about south-east England. To the best of my

knowledge, Birmingham has not moved since I knew it as a boy 20 miles

away from where I lived! But, bearing in mind what she does say, I

would like to say about Birmingham Airport that it is fantastic. It is

a good airport. It serves a very important role as far as Birmingham

and the Midlands is concerned. And it is just had a runway extension.

Reassured by the Secretary of State's geographical knowledge. Does

my right honourable friend accept that even if he had been able to

make an announcement on this subject today, the earliest that an extra

runway capacity could be provided is 2023 and, at worst, division of 30?

And is on this point it the need to improve connectivity to Stansted? --

at worst, 2030. Stansted is the only airport straining with the man. My

right honourable friend has a habit of doing this sort of questions and

transport questions. While I agree with the point he makes, perhaps the

delivery of exactly how we get to what he is asking for a somewhat

more difficult than he might be alluding to in his question. Yet

more deadening on the decision on whether to expand capacity at

Heathrow will harm the regions of this country and the United Kingdom.

What recommendation will the Secretary of State the making to the

next by Minister? -- next by Minister. One step at a time! She is

assuming a number of events that I will not assume. What I would say

is, as chairman of the transport select committee, this is a big

decision for the UK and it is not an easy one. The simple fact is,

whichever option we choose, it will impact the number of people's lies

and therefore it is right to make sure we do all their work and

preparation for this all-around air-quality and other issues. But I

very much hope the decision can be made later this year.

And it is inconceivable either the Home Secretary or the of London

would put the constituency interests ahead of the national interest. I

know that if he had sought assurance from the former Mayor of London that

the Government should go ahead with this decision he would receive it.

Did he seek such an assurance -- assurance and that he asked for

that. This will not benefit people and Gatwick to have to put up with

further uncertainty. I am sorry my honourable friend is

upset with the decision given the current timetable I do not see it

possible to come to the house of and get a recommendation and the

statement and possible votes before the summer recess.

I thank the secretary of state for his the comments but his answer is

exacerbating the profound uncertainty about the future of

essential transport projects including HS2 and the new Heathrow

runway. Hundreds of thousands of jobs and apprenticeships are in the

balance. Does he not understand the lying these plans as to the wider

economic shock that was triggered last week? -- delay these plans.

I say to the honourable lady, going back on familiar ground is, I don't

mean to have to repeat what I said earlier. I am proud of the

investment this Government is putting into infrastructure. 50%

bigger than last parliament in infrastructure investment and a

large amount more than put in by the previous Labour Government. This

Government is committed to infrastructure investment and when

she talks with airport capacity, there was an airport capacity issued

for 13 years when her party was in Government, about which they did

nothing. With the political and economic uncertainty following the

referendum vote, infrastructure projects have become more, not less,

imported for the future of the country and that is particularly

true of airports and we should have a renewed importance in ensuring the

UK is a global outward looking nation. The comments by the

secretary of state cast doubt on this and can be secretary of state

not accept that taking this decision into the long grass and yet again is

simply unacceptable. I am accused of kicking something

into the long grass, I said I hope to see a decision by the end of the

year. What I have not seen yet is a position which has been expanded

from the opposition benches as to which of the options they actually

support. Question number nine, Mr Speaker. I

will answer this together with questions of 14 and 15. Millions of

tourists use our railways and beer products like the Brit rail pass to

encourage this. We had the own infrastructure improvement to

improve use on our heritage rule in -- Heritage rulings and this was a

success. -- heritage rail lines. Can the

Minister confirm if her department has conducted work into the

potential economic boost from trade and tourism of reopening poor sham

train station? Even before the honourable body took

a seat she has been a campaigner for this proposal. We have a meeting

next month to continue those discussions and a feasibility

discussion is being undertaken and I hope it will boost tourism and

increase opportunities in the area. Could the Minister provoked an

update to the north Cotswold line which could provide increased

tourism to Worcestershire header furniture? My deputy is working with

Network Rail to look at the whole could only improve London, Oxford,

Worcester train services. The department will publish its a real

investment started strategy in summer 2017, setting out investment

plans for the preview 2019-2024. Website it will come as no great

surprise I want to raise the link about the south-west and task force

agenda. I would like to ask whether she believes, like I do, they should

be an economic assessment of the tourism benefit that could provide

to businesses in North Cornwall for using that particular route?

Mr Speaker, can I also bought out of the honourable gentleman and two of

his wonderful projects were actually in Cornwall, so it was a really good

effort by the provincial and the prevention of real task force will

work on its report looking at all sorts of options for the heartsick

that rail network and am looking forward to receiving and studying

that report. -- for improving that rail network.

A new metro system in south Wales with help there but the plan metal

is heavily dependent on EU support. What measures will be Minister take

to ensure the South Wales valleys metro system can be delivered?

The investment in rail services in Wales is now devolved to the Welsh

administration and so those matters are a matter for them in terms of

funding. Like me and should he would welcome the fact that three of the

winners of this competition were based in Wales. One of which involve

cycling along disused railways and I'm sure there will be to lose

benefits for those. What assessment has the rail

minister made of the impact of the appalling southern and ThamesLink

services and Network Rail infrastructures on the ability to

list to get too cheap to destinations?

The honourable gentleman and all members with constituencies served

by the slide slowly: performance situation largely due to the major

investment is happening in this region has not been acceptable, the

Government, the operator has been working very hard to solve those

problems and what was great to see was by April this year performance

and climbed up to and 84% public performance measure. Not good enough

but getting better. Since then the industrial actions and high level of

conductor sicknesses have seen a deterioration in this measure at the

mosque and unions and operator to settle their differences as soon as

possible, but for tourists and commuting constituents. Question

number 12, Mr Speaker. The Government has lost the first

ever wrote investment strategy committing ?15 billion to hire was

influenced by 2020. Work is already underway on 20 of these schemes are

named in the road investment strategy. Five schemes already open

to traffic in 2015-16 and work on the A14, one of the biggest projects

at ?1.5 billion is on track for the start of construction later this

year. Does my right honourable friend

agree that the momentous events of last week and the potential

opportunities may not transport infrastructures through schemes like

the Lord investment strategy is more important than ever before?

-- wrote investment strategy. I believe it is and not just the roads

investment of real investment. The press and because these are

important. They are often controversial to begin wish. -- we

press on with these. Back in 2014 when the Government

amends the wrote investment strategy money was promised to resort to 60%

of our road network and not how we think and say that will not be bit.

Where has the money gone and what has been cancelled?

I must say, when coming from the Labour Party who almost completely

stopped investment in roads spending and to see the record investment we

are creating and cleaning up some of the mess from years of

underinvestment whilst they were in office, I do not recognise the point

here is made. Question number 17. -- the point he has made.

The Government is fully committed to committed -- committed to carrying

out this. I can I thank the Minister for visiting and discussing with us

the future of the runways and connectivity but we adding credible

disappointed by the decision. He knows in Dublin is due to have its

airport in in 2023. We made a decision. Can we have a promise we

will have a decision by Christmas 2016? I think the secretary of state

was clear. There are some interesting developments. Store Bart

is looking at the connection between Carlisle and Belfast which will

increase connectivity and improved prospects of tourism for people in

the North of England the constantly wonderful. That he represents.

The third runway for Heathrow would unlock some ?60 billion in private

investment. The chief executive George Best Belfast City Airport

said the Heathrow hub is vital in making Northern Ireland accessible

to business and leisure passengers. It is important for Belfast Northern

Ireland so make the decision now. The report made clear the importance

of collectivity in the south-east of the legions, north of England,

Ulster, Scotland and elsewhere -- to the regions. We are very mindful of

these issues raised by Collard Todd of the country.

Question 18, Mr Speaker. The Department publicist with his

assessment on matched with the initial local classified boards and

improving with fewer that should be classified from entrance. The

Government committed record levels of commitment to highways

maintenance of the 2021. A total fund totalling ?20 million in this

Parliament. It's a way of the difficulties my

constituents face travelling east due to the problems caused by the

flyover roundabout and gallows or not. At peak times this can cause

completely gridlocked in my constituency. Will he raise this

with the Greater London authority and work with the Mayor of London to

organise a new board layout which will be of great relief to the local

constituents? This matter is it matter for

Transport for London because it is part of the local network. The actor

have consulted on proposals earlier this year. He makes an extremely

important point and I would be happy to take this up with the mere and

with TfL. The most helpful way forward would be to continue to do

just that. Number 19. My department allocated or ?41

million of local transport funding to the west Yorkshire combined

authority and nearly 233 million of the life of the parliament to

improve local roads and deliver integrated transport schemes across

West Yorkshire. It is for local authorities to this that dial a --

to decide how money is allocated. The Minister failed to say how much

had been spent in the Shipley constituency, which were the driving

force behind my constituency -- behind my question. I believe the

answer is very little. What it is Department doing to

ensure the Labour and the west Yorkshire authorities are not just

when the money in liberal heartland and are also making sure the whole

of West Yorkshire is benefiting from the investment?

-- the Labour heartlands. Maybe those in charge in west Yorkshire

should look at some national projects where we are determined to

invest where that is needed and in the North of England and it is not

bound by our own partly but it is we need to stimulate jobs and

contribute to the Northern powerhouse. Question number 20, Mr

Speaker. We all know or rail investment and

new stations provide a boost for a local economy and I am pleased since

January 20 1410 new stations of opened or reopened in England and

Wales, funded by the new stations funds. Might right honourable friend

the Chancellor announced last year another 20 million will be made

available for new station bids and that will be open for bids very

soon. Giving new stations do appear to be doing so well and provide such

a boost to the local economy and environment does the Minister agree

the town of Wellington in my constituency is an excellent

candidate for a new metro railway station? The petition we have just

done showed overwhelming positivity for it and if visibility shows an

economic benefit. With the Minister clarify our next steps in action the

qualifying for the funding for this new stations fund? She has

campaigned so assiduously on this since assuming her seat. I have met

her on this and we looking forward to seeing the proposals to change

the terms and conditions of the new station fund so promoters do not

have to get to the stage three before the time of the submission of

funding so I look forward to seeing that and other applications.

Mr Speaker, there is no formal economic assessment of the impact of

railway disruption, rather surprisingly, but I am in no

doubt... I agree that disrupted railway is not good for the economy

passengers and that is why we are so committed to returning Southern Rail

a high-performance railway. The shambles we have seen is becoming a

crisis. I am getting people writing to me you are late for work every

day and bosses are giving them written warnings now. The Government

seems to expect people to turn to bosses say, don't worry, by 2018, it

will all be fine. Can the Minister tell us when this shambles will end

and people can go to their bosses and tell them that things will get

better? The honourable gentleman and I talk about this a lot and he knows

that there was disruption as a result of this record investment but

things were getting better. I point to April when we got an 83.8% rate.

If his constituents would like to write to bosses, I suggest they

right to union bosses, who I think that doing members a great service I

bringing them out on completely unjustified grounds. This is a

dispute about who presses the button is operating the doors and the

change in the role of staff. There are no job losses or changes to

terms and conditions. In Eastleigh constituency, we benefit from

Southampton Airport and is economic productivity with four new routes

this summer. Many people come in from the Channel Islands. The

shameful performance by Southern Rail is affecting commuters across

the south coast and into my airport, heading up to Gatwick, with flights

missed and jobs cars only in peril. Can the Minister say that the huge

impact from this failing franchise cannot be tolerated? Everyone

understands that this railway has to get better. That is why the money is

being spent and so much money is going on with the operator, Network

Rail. But there are ?2 billion worth of brand-new trains coming

production lines now that we would like to be running on these routes.

The introduction of those trains is being held up... By the way, it is

exactly the same problem in Scotland. This is a nationwide

dispute about who presses the Boston is -- but it is opening the doors.

It is no good having more rolling stock of the am not moving. It is

not good enough to blame the unions on this. Our department has to get a

grip. My constituents are furious. They are paying through the nose for

an appalling service which threatens their jobs. The CEO is on a payment

of ?2 million a year. Will she get a grip, stop defending the private

sector, and put the franchise into accountable public and is now?

Unlike the honourable lady, that is not my focus. She accepted a very

large donation from the IMDB for the last election. The union have

awarded themselves a 60% PMQs. They need to stop objecting to new

technology that benefits are constituents and constituents across

the UK. Question 22, please. LAUGHTER. As anybody got the... ? I

do apologise, Mr Speaker. I rather thought we were going on to topical

questions my mind -- topical questions. In the National Rail we

survey report for 2016, publishers morning, 80% of passengers were

satisfied with their journey. Males are real, which shares many of the

honourable members' constituency, but a highly satisfactory rate. His

response was as late as the trains on the line going through my

constituency. It is an infrequent, unreliable and expensive service due

for renewal in NXT years. When we do get that renewal, and the Secretary

of State ensure that we have the highest specification possible so

that we get a much improved service undercutting conditions? I very much

apologise to the honourable member for the slight delay in response. I

very much hope that his constituents will enjoy some of the improvements

we have seen on the franchises which serve in and around his area.

Although I referred to Mersey travel, there are other train

operating companies providing services into his constituency. I

think we will see a considerable uplift on rather than TransPennine

links, which will benefit constituents. Order. Topical

questions. Question one. Right. I was prepared for this, Mr Speaker! I

am very proud of the fact that capital expenditure on

infrastructure will increase by 50% in this Parliament. We have set up

the first-ever roads investment strategy, which I answered questions

on LL this morning. In all the time has been in the Department for

Transport, one of the issues on which I have always placed a lot of

importance is the issue of safety. I am very pleased this morning's

latest statistics, published at 9:30 a.m., four road casualties in Great

Britain shall oddities into percent of road fatalities. ADT 's in 3% of

those seriously injured on the road. And if percent duties in those

slightly injured on the road. The amount of deaths are too high on our

roads but the reduction is very welcome. Can the Secretary of State

confirm for dates? When will Huddersfield get us direct London

service, when will the Pacers go, when will he get to link to

Yorkshire, and when will the electrification of the TransPennine

that begin? -- TransPennine route. Mr Speaker, off the top of my head,

the answer is made to those in the 19, December 2019, 2033. As the

final question, what has started and we will have to wait until 2018 to

finish it. I wish I had all those figures, as you do, Mr Speaker, in

my head. Extremely grateful to the Secretary of State. As my honourable

friend has said, Southern Rail passengers are suffering the worst

delays in the country and its staff are locked in an increasingly bitter

industrial dispute. All those who work rely on this failing service

deserve much better. This in the Minister think thereby ruling out

the cancellation of the franchise and winding down the operator of

last resort, the Parliament has no plan B and is effectively forfeiting

the chance to place any meaningful pressure on the company to improve

performance? -- doesn't the Minister think that by. You need to the share

price of the company, showing there is considerable pressure on it from

customers and my department. Changing the franchise in my view

would did nothing. Everybody has to work together. There is a highly

experienced management team already in place. We have an investment

programme coming to an end. The fast bridge will open this summer. --

first. We have to sort this out for the benefit of her pesky middles or

just want to get to work and get home to their families. -- of

hard-pressed commuters. Many of my constituents in the eastern side of

infielder fed up to the back teeth of infrequent and unreliable train

services. This Secretary of State agree that the early delivery of

trains on the mainline writ offers a unique opportunity to improve

services, best housing growth potential and benefit the local

economy? I met with the honourable lady to talk about other issues in

her constituency, following the request in the last transport

questions. She also mentioned when we met the tracking. This is being

met and chairmanship of my honourable friend, who is looking at

the whole issue of the services to that part of London and beyond. I am

looking forward to receiving that report and hopefully making

progress. Cameron White on low friend tell the House what

assessment has been made of the importance of transport improvement

and infrastructure projects to the success of the Northern Powerhouse?

And can he provide an update on progress with Mark -- progress?

Transport is vital to connect the Northern Powerhouse. It helps

rebalance the UK economy. I walked towards improved delivery and

transportation is well under way. We have committed to spend a record ?13

billion on transport in the North. Since it was reopened by the

Scottish Government last year, the Borders Railway has been a

remarkable success story. In the first six months of its operation,

passenger forecasts were exceeded by 22% and the Scottish Government has

committed to a feasibility study in restoring the line to its historic

route on hike and Carlisle. Can the Secretary of State can form --

confirm what dialogue Yasser with the new Scottish Transport Minister

on the matter and whether he supports a new cross-border railway

connection? Mr Speaker, I have not yet had the chance to meet with the

new Scottish Transport Minister directly on this article issue but

there will be opportunities and I look forward to our first meeting on

the subject and I am more than happy to consider any other point he

makes. He makes the point rightly about what happens when new services

are provided, particularly on real ways. We often see a greater uptake

than a something is planned. My constituency welcomes... Can he is

sure that Crossrail has the money to undertake an extensive consultation?

I am well aware of the concerns of the local constituents of my

honourable friend to the current plans. Both DSL and Network Rail are

investigating the feasibility of a number of alternative options which

potentially could timeline and reconfiguration of stations in the

area. Of course, we will continue to consult on this. As my honourable

friend knows from his involvement in many major transport systems. There

is a lot of consultation before we start building or digging the tunnel

for the area. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Behind closed doors in February,

members agreed to allow the cancellation of even more services

without reaching their contract. Increasing them up to 32,000

cancellations. MPs were told about this last day before recess in May.

How on earth can we have confidence in the services whenever such a

delay and it appears that ministers are in cahoots, setting up risk-free

contracts undermining our passengers? I would have thought

that the honourable lady would have worked with as with all the

investment we have put into the real weight serving her area. All she has

ever done is complain and back-up the unions. It is quite unjustified

as that is the new investment we are seeing. Billions of pounds on new

rolling stock, massive investment in London Bridge. At she does... She

complains and takes donations from the RMT. What is the department

doing to ensure that the pothole action fund money is being properly

spent and ensuring best practice? The pothole action fund is a budget

of ?250 million across as Parliament. The first allegation has

already been made in the course of this year and has been allocated to

councils on the amount of highways they are responsible for. -- the

first allocation. We are looking at how we can make this as efficient as

possible. We backed local authorities to improve equality of

their local road wet work with this. -- network. I have previously

highlighted the predicted 45,000 shortage of HGV drivers in the UK.

This will only get worse after Brexit. When will the Government

committed to looking at the benefits of providing grants for companies to

put people that are unemployed through the HGV training? I have had

discussions with my right honourable friend, the Secretary of State for

Work and Pensions, on these matters as fat as trading and looking as

well at the Department for the. As well as what can be done to move

this issue forward. -- Department for business. But there are good

opportunities for young people who become drivers and I would encourage

them to look at it. As my right honourable friend's department made

any assessment on the potential of aircraft types likely bowling 747

that can fly greater distances point-to-point? We can demonstrate

there are more ways of doing business in this country than

landing in London. It is certainly the case that many airlines are

investing in the Athree and 50, which is exclusively made with

Rolls-Royce engines and the option to point-to-point doors open at many

new opportunities for regional airports to provide direct services

for their people. I very much welcome the statistics that show

that road improvement and road safety is getting better. Those

statistics mask what is really happening. The Transport Select

Committee have produced a report today published, showing

statistics... As disingenuously going on. I am looking for the

Minister to accept this as dangerous you to do something about it. I'm

aware the transport select committee had published a report this morning.

I have not had chance to read it yet. The point about smart meters is

art that the design to operate without, my sincerity. The evidence

on the M25 show that the busiest journey times have almost have to

and casualty rates are down by 21%. Safety is a priority and I will read

this report with much interest. With the Minister agree that

improvements are really slowly been moved if new technologies embraced

and politics is not played with this? Yes. Would the Minister take

this opportunity to scotch pressure boss of Treasury meddling NHS to

post-referendum and confirm it will be built north of Birmingham and

there will be proper services to benefit all Cheshire?

I am very committed to HS2. It is very important for this country and

we have already seen the benefits as far as investment are concerned.

Mr Speaker, there are many funding pots, including local growth fund

money that would help to regenerate the station. He has achieved one

thing. Years made the Leader of the Opposition look positively decisive.

Does he not believe he owes the select committee, this is in

businesses across the UK and apology for this, which is a farce?

I have informed the House this morning, as it is like to do so. The

recent decision by the regulator to refuse direct services between

Cleethorpes and King's Cross shows present rules are working more than

the interest of the franchise holder rather than passengers. The

Conservative Government surely support competition. When am I going

to support the passengers and allow more competition? -- when are they

going to support. The improvement vast that we have

seen, and we're going to see as far as the franchise is concerned, and

the protection of services which he campaigned for as far as a Northern

franchise is concerned, the pacers so that his constituents will have a

chance of using this new trains shows that we are committed to not

only giving better that to My Honourable Friend 's

constituency I recently extended the guide dogs lobbying Parliament and

was shocked that the problems guide dog owners face trying to get a

taxi. Has the Minister discussed is recently with his Cabinet

colleagues? I too, have been in touch with the Garry Birtles lobby.

I was taken around a cruel a few weeks ago and they showed me some of

the problems which people using the system bash by using these horse

often come across. Any discrimination we see about that,

the law should be used and it is a ready offence for taxi drivers to

discriminate against those dogs. Investment in dualling the A45 is

important for the people of Northamptonshire. These are so, so

desperately needed. I recognise fully the importance of these

schemes to My Honourable Friend and his constituents. We're working to

make sure that these schemes are delivered as soon as possible. I

will keep them informed of progress. Business question, Paul Flynn. World

leader given a House the business for next week? -- world leader. The

Leader of the House of Commons Chris Grayling. The business for next

week, on Monday fourth July we'll have the first awarded estimates day

when they debate important tribunal fee is followed by a debate on

impacts