:00:08. > :00:15.Good morning and welcome to BBC Parliament's live coverage of the
:00:16. > :00:18.Parliament at the House of Commons. There will be questions on
:00:19. > :00:25.forthcoming Parliamentary Business. After that, a statement about the
:00:26. > :00:28.BBC's Royal Charter, by the Culture Secretary, Karen Bradley, follows
:00:29. > :00:34.the announcement by the care of the BBC Trust to step down early and not
:00:35. > :00:40.alie to head the corporation's new governing body. After that a
:00:41. > :00:46.statement by the business and the Energy Secretary, Greg Clarke,
:00:47. > :00:55.concerning the ?18 billion pound nuclear power. .Plant at Hinkley
:00:56. > :01:02.Point. And followed by domestic abuse victims in the family courts
:01:03. > :01:06.and then quantitative easing, the money supply by the Central Bank
:01:07. > :01:14.with regards to the boosting in the economy.
:01:15. > :01:28.In a moment, it will be questions to the. . The.Secretary, Chris Grayling
:01:29. > :01:35.and his team. On the front page of today's order
:01:36. > :01:42.paper it is noted that on the 15th of September, 1916, Lieutenant
:01:43. > :01:48.Colonel, the honourable Guy Victor Bearing, a 1st Battalion of the
:01:49. > :01:57.Coldstream Guards, was killed in action during the Battle of the
:01:58. > :02:05.Somme in France. Lieutenant Colonel Charles William Reginald Duncan, of
:02:06. > :02:09.the royal rifle corp, a member of Thirsk and Malton, was killed in
:02:10. > :02:19.action during the Battle of the Somme, France. On the 25th of
:02:20. > :02:25.September, 1916 Lieutenant Gerald Arbuthnott of the 1st Battalion the
:02:26. > :02:27.Grenadier Guards was killed in action during the Battle of the
:02:28. > :02:40.Somme, France, we remember them today.
:02:41. > :02:48.Order. Order. Dame Rosie Winterton. I beg to move Mr Speaker to issue to
:02:49. > :02:55.the Clerk of the Crown to make a new member to serve in the Parliament
:02:56. > :03:03.for the constituency of Backley and Spokesmen.
:03:04. > :03:08.The question is, as I issue the Warren to the clerk of the Crown to
:03:09. > :03:14.make out a writ for the electing of a member to serve in this present
:03:15. > :03:24.Parliament for the constituency of Batley Spen in the room of Helen
:03:25. > :03:30.Joanne Cox, deceased. Say Aye. On the contrary no, the
:03:31. > :03:40.ayes have it. Order. Order. Mr Gavin Williamson.
:03:41. > :03:44.I beg to move that Mr Speaker issue his warrant to the clerk of the
:03:45. > :03:50.crown to make out a new writ for the electing of a member to serve in the
:03:51. > :03:58.present Parliament of the questions of Whitney in the room of the Right
:03:59. > :04:02.Honourable David William Donald Cameron, who since his election for
:04:03. > :04:08.the county questions has been appointed to the office of steward
:04:09. > :04:13.and bailiff of Her Majesty's manor of Northstead in the county of York.
:04:14. > :04:20.I issue the warrant to the clerk of the crown to make out a writ for the
:04:21. > :04:26.electing of a member to serve in this present Parliament of Witney in
:04:27. > :04:30.the room of the Right Honourable David William Donald Cameron who
:04:31. > :04:36.since his election has been appointed to the office of steward
:04:37. > :04:44.and bailiff of Her Majesty's manor of Northstead in the county of York.
:04:45. > :04:49.Say aye... Aye. The ayes have it.
:04:50. > :04:52.Order. Questions to the Secretary of State for transport, Victoria
:04:53. > :04:53.Atkins. Question number one please, Mr
:04:54. > :05:09.Speaker. Thank you. Mrr John Ames.
:05:10. > :05:19.Mr Speaker, the assessment of the impact, the economy of a routine hub
:05:20. > :05:23.in transport provisions, a frame work for assessing schools to
:05:24. > :05:28.include the impact on jobs, growth and regeneration. May I welcome the
:05:29. > :05:32.minister to his place to say how pleased I am that the department has
:05:33. > :05:37.the benefit of his experience and which had tomorrow. I am not just
:05:38. > :05:43.saying that as I would like his help with a road, please! Everyday this
:05:44. > :05:48.summer my constituents, tourists and I had to wait up to 45 minutes to
:05:49. > :05:57.pass through the traffic lights at the bullring in Horncastle where the
:05:58. > :06:01.busy A 153, crosses the A 158. The single carriageway roads cannot cope
:06:02. > :06:07.with the traffic between the city of Lincoln, the mar Cabinet town of
:06:08. > :06:12.Louth and the East Coast. Will he meet me and the local councillors to
:06:13. > :06:16.discuss what can be done to get rid of bottlenecks to help the local
:06:17. > :06:24.residents and businesses and encourage more tourism to the
:06:25. > :06:28.wonderful Lincolnshire coast? The honourable lady is an art I can late
:06:29. > :06:36.campaigner in our constituent's interest. Knowing that all counties
:06:37. > :06:41.of our great country are dear to my heart but none more so than my own
:06:42. > :06:45.county of Lincolnshire. I am familiar with this part of the
:06:46. > :06:50.county. I understand the pressure on the roads. I would be happy to meet
:06:51. > :06:55.with the councillors and discuss this, and go further. That is not
:06:56. > :06:58.good enough. I will hold a round table meeting of the concerned
:06:59. > :07:05.parties in my department and ask to look at specifically what she says.
:07:06. > :07:10.If I may say so, her words were most welcome, she could have added for
:07:11. > :07:19.future reference, dexterity, determination, and in the light of
:07:20. > :07:23.recent events, durability! Mr Speaker will the minister give a
:07:24. > :07:30.firm commitment for high-speed two to go ahead with a clear timetable?
:07:31. > :07:36.Will he accelerate work in trans-Pennine links from Liverpool
:07:37. > :07:39.to Hull so that the economy can be supported and assist in the
:07:40. > :07:45.rebalancing of the economy across the UK? Well, the honourable lady
:07:46. > :07:51.and I were together this week at a meeting to discuss a range of issues
:07:52. > :07:56.in the light of the IPPR report, including the significance of that
:07:57. > :08:03.trans-Pennine connection. It is important that we see all of our
:08:04. > :08:10.transport needs, not just in terms of north/south links but east/west
:08:11. > :08:14.links. I know many members as we both do
:08:15. > :08:18.will recognise that. I am happy to look at the options. She will know
:08:19. > :08:24.that we are considering a range of ways of making the links real. She
:08:25. > :08:31.in her role of the select chairman will want to test me further when
:08:32. > :08:37.she calls me before her. Will my right honourable friend have
:08:38. > :08:40.regard to the reports from the great eastern and west Anglian taskforces
:08:41. > :08:46.chaired by two of his colleagues, about the contribution that they can
:08:47. > :08:50.make to the future prosperity of the Anglian region, so that there can be
:08:51. > :08:56.a reliable rail structure on which the new trains that are to come can
:08:57. > :09:04.run more efficiently? As you know, I have a deep regard for the past and
:09:05. > :09:09.my recent past reminds me that the right honourable gentlemen tested me
:09:10. > :09:12.on these matters in my last incarnation in the Department of
:09:13. > :09:16.Transport when making similar arguments about the importance of
:09:17. > :09:21.the links. I look forward to studying that report. When I do so I
:09:22. > :09:27.am happy to ask discussions with him on the content. No-one can argue he
:09:28. > :09:33.as not made his case powerfully and repeatedly.
:09:34. > :09:36.I hope he remembers how lucky he is to have further conversations with
:09:37. > :09:40.the Minister of State. Not all are in that category.
:09:41. > :09:47.Infrastructure is vital for economic growth. It is unfortunate no the
:09:48. > :09:54.highwayways agency has announced closure of the A 34. This stretch of
:09:55. > :10:00.road is the main access route to the Freeport Shopping Centre. Works are
:10:01. > :10:06.required. It is due to start next week until December 23rd at the
:10:07. > :10:10.Christmas shopping centre. Will the minister work with the Highways
:10:11. > :10:18.agency to see the error of their ways? I might make a general point.
:10:19. > :10:23.The first day I was in this particular job, I met the Highways
:10:24. > :10:27.England as they are now called and was clear that what they must do
:10:28. > :10:32.better is to give proper notice of plans that they have to communicate
:10:33. > :10:36.with all of the interested parties including the members of this House
:10:37. > :10:42.and to be clear about the length of time that particular decisions that
:10:43. > :10:49.they make and implications take. Obviously the case in point. I was
:10:50. > :10:55.not aware of this but I will meet with Highways England this day and
:10:56. > :10:58.raise that issue. I will have a conversation with the honourable
:10:59. > :11:03.lady tomorrow. My right honourable friend is
:11:04. > :11:08.dexterous, determined and durable, as well as extremely distinguished.
:11:09. > :11:15.The A 34 is one of the most important roads for our economy from
:11:16. > :11:21.the south to the Midlands. It is becoming dangerous with two recent
:11:22. > :11:27.rash crashes and fatalities. I would like him to hold a round table with
:11:28. > :11:38.me and Oxfordshire MPs to discuss safety and the freerunning of the A
:11:39. > :11:45.34? My table grows ever more round! I am none the worse for it, by the
:11:46. > :11:51.way. I am familiar with that road. He will know it is a scheme which
:11:52. > :11:55.has had a number of suggestions made for its improvement. It is important
:11:56. > :11:58.that the House understands that there are always demands on
:11:59. > :12:03.different roads and different ideas about how the demands are met. The
:12:04. > :12:09.process that we are engaged in, is while we study those things
:12:10. > :12:13.carefully and the consultation that the honourable gentleman recommends.
:12:14. > :12:15.I am delighted to speak to him about any matter in this House including
:12:16. > :12:24.the one he raised today. The government talks about
:12:25. > :12:43.rebalancing the economy and it is interesting what he said about
:12:44. > :12:46.east-west links. Can we extend the 65 all the way to Scotch
:12:47. > :12:48.Corner? There are millions of people in the north-east leading connecting
:12:49. > :12:51.directly to millions of people, and this will be a vital infrastructure
:12:52. > :12:53.link that would rebalance that economy. Again, the honourable
:12:54. > :12:57.gentleman is known for making that case, and the case of the links that
:12:58. > :13:01.would be sufficient to give a further boost to his economy. There
:13:02. > :13:07.have been scurrilous suggestions that the Northern Powerhouse has
:13:08. > :13:12.faltered in some way. Let me tell you this. The Northern Powerhouse
:13:13. > :13:18.has not only -- is not only alive and well, it will thrive under this
:13:19. > :13:21.government, and that will include the kind of infrastructure
:13:22. > :13:27.investment is necessary not only to provide transport links but to boost
:13:28. > :13:30.economic growth, build skills and spread opportunity. We are
:13:31. > :13:34.government with big ideas that puts into action for the benefit of our
:13:35. > :13:50.people. Following the electrification,
:13:51. > :13:53.Network Rail are working towards their final design for the programme
:13:54. > :13:59.as set out in the Henley review last year. Worked to increase capacity on
:14:00. > :14:02.this route has started. -- has already started. The East Midlands
:14:03. > :14:08.region has had the lowest level of rail spending per head in everyone
:14:09. > :14:15.of the last six years. We have discovered that the pausing of the
:14:16. > :14:19.mainline wasted almost ?40 million and cost countless jobs in the
:14:20. > :14:23.supply chain. Now there are rumours it could be cancelled or deferred
:14:24. > :14:27.again. Will he take this opportunity to confirm that the line will be
:14:28. > :14:33.electrified all the way to Nottingham and Sheffield by 20 23?
:14:34. > :14:41.And will he commit to real action to ensure that there are no further
:14:42. > :14:44.delays or broken promises? I congratulate her on still carrying
:14:45. > :14:48.out her former brief, who knows when she might return to her front bench
:14:49. > :14:53.to continue in that role. The important point she made about the
:14:54. > :14:56.East line to the East Midlands, and in my view the supply chain in the
:14:57. > :15:01.East Midlands does not just depend on this one project. The investment
:15:02. > :15:09.in bombarding a in trains from East Anglia is one way of safeguarding
:15:10. > :15:15.this. -- Bombardier. We have already completed ten kilometres of new
:15:16. > :15:20.line. Nearly nine kilometres of an existing line have been improved as
:15:21. > :15:31.well. Ten kilometres of new earthworks. New viaducts, so the
:15:32. > :15:37.work is ongoing on the line, and we are looking to improve capacity as
:15:38. > :15:41.well. I'm delighted to hear the Northern Powerhouse is alive and
:15:42. > :15:45.well, and would he agree that if it is to have real effect it is
:15:46. > :15:50.connectivity, not just between connectivity, not just between
:15:51. > :15:53.cities, but also between the times the North is made? I would like to
:15:54. > :16:00.thank ministers for the initial investment in the bypass, but would
:16:01. > :16:05.he also look at the reopening of Midwich railway station? I was born
:16:06. > :16:15.and bred in a ten close to Midwich. I am well aware in my 40 years of
:16:16. > :16:21.the importance it has had, and I look forward to working with her to
:16:22. > :16:26.progressing the business case for the station. Electrification was due
:16:27. > :16:31.to be completed by 2020, that is also the date when all trains have
:16:32. > :16:36.to comply with the new disability legislation. What is the government
:16:37. > :16:42.going to do between 2020 and 2023, when the old trains on the line with
:16:43. > :16:47.the slam doors do not comply with this legislation? Will the
:16:48. > :16:51.government put in temporary rolling stock or change the legislation? He
:16:52. > :16:58.is right to point out the commitments we have made. We need to
:16:59. > :17:02.increase capacity, particularly at peak hours. So we are looking
:17:03. > :17:07.carefully at how we can deliver on this. In the plans to re-energise
:17:08. > :17:14.the electrification, would he ensure that the branch line running through
:17:15. > :17:19.my constituency is added into that plan, as it was unaccountably missed
:17:20. > :17:23.out of the original? I am not familiar with that particular branch
:17:24. > :17:27.line, but I will look into it and write to the honourable gentleman.
:17:28. > :17:32.With faster line speeds that electrification will bring, will he
:17:33. > :17:36.look to reinstate the half hourly service north from catering that was
:17:37. > :17:42.cut to an hourly service under the last Labour government? --
:17:43. > :17:48.Kettering? There are always a number of opportunities that come around in
:17:49. > :17:52.Rolling stock and on lines, so we will feed back into all
:17:53. > :18:03.consultations as to how we best make use of the re-profiling of the line.
:18:04. > :18:07.The safety of the public is our top priority. We are working closely
:18:08. > :18:10.with the CAA industry to address the safe use of drones. We are
:18:11. > :18:15.continuing to adapt and strengthen regulations as the use of them
:18:16. > :18:26.evolves. The current framework balances rules on safety and strong
:18:27. > :18:32.penalties for misuse,... I asked him what assessment he had made of the
:18:33. > :18:36.effect on aviation safety. How real is this risk? I know he knows it was
:18:37. > :18:42.discussed at the trade union Congress this week, but we need to
:18:43. > :18:45.know what the risk is, and what steps the government is taking
:18:46. > :18:52.before we end up with the inevitable ministerial statement about lessons
:18:53. > :18:59.learned? He is right about the TUC discussing it yesterday, and they
:19:00. > :19:03.are right to raise this. It is an emerging technology and the risk is
:19:04. > :19:10.dynamic, we need to keep constant analysis and place about what it
:19:11. > :19:14.poses. It is not just irresponsible use, it could be malevolent use. You
:19:15. > :19:20.can imagine drones could be used by all kinds of agents to do all kinds
:19:21. > :19:24.of things. So the assurance I give him is that I will make sure that my
:19:25. > :19:31.department is continuing that analysis, making sure the regulatory
:19:32. > :19:35.framework is fit for purpose having done that analysis, and I think the
:19:36. > :19:41.best thing to do that is for me to come back to the House and give
:19:42. > :19:45.regular reports on how it is going. The honourable gentleman always
:19:46. > :19:52.takes a diligent interest in the affairs of this House, and he raised
:19:53. > :20:00.an important issue which is one that we have to take extremely seriously.
:20:01. > :20:08.My constituent tells me that drones are not only an issue or danger to
:20:09. > :20:16.aircraft, but also it affects privacy, copyright law, and also is
:20:17. > :20:23.a danger to people who might be visiting the castle in my
:20:24. > :20:29.constituency, with the drone on people's heads. When will we see
:20:30. > :20:31.tighter instructions and education about how to use drones?
:20:32. > :20:38.Intellectual property rights. That was the phrase I was searching for
:20:39. > :20:48.earlier. And you found it! Just to be clear, we do take drones very
:20:49. > :20:51.seriously, and anyone who recklessly or negligently commits the drawn to
:20:52. > :20:59.endanger any person or property can face a fine of up to ?5,000. Or two
:21:00. > :21:05.years imprisonment. We're not taking matters lightly. But the point he
:21:06. > :21:09.makes and a gentleman opposite, because this technology is evolving
:21:10. > :21:13.is very important but we do important work to look at this scale
:21:14. > :21:21.and type of danger we face, and in the framework can be fit for
:21:22. > :21:28.purpose. To the department have any cooperation with the MoD in relation
:21:29. > :21:33.to security and the threat that drones pose for the security of the
:21:34. > :21:39.nation? Indeed, given that I have recently arrived -- arrived back
:21:40. > :21:42.from the Home Office, where I was the Minister for security, that the
:21:43. > :21:47.something the MOD and the Home Office took very seriously indeed.
:21:48. > :21:52.So he can be absolutely sure that across government we are looking at
:21:53. > :21:55.this matter because, as I said earlier, it is not just about
:21:56. > :22:05.irresponsible use, it may be malevolent use. With your permission
:22:06. > :22:11.I will answer this question together with question seven. The government
:22:12. > :22:15.is committed to delivering the important infrastructure projects
:22:16. > :22:18.that this country needs, including delivering a runway capacity in the
:22:19. > :22:22.south-east on the timetable set by the Airports Commission. We are
:22:23. > :22:28.currently undertaking further work, including assurance of the airport
:22:29. > :22:34.commission's evidence, and a decision will be made public
:22:35. > :22:39.shortly. The new Transport Secretary is a fierce advocate that exiting
:22:40. > :22:42.the EU has done more than enough already to create economic havoc.
:22:43. > :22:48.Perhaps he will use his new position to mitigate some of this damage by
:22:49. > :22:52.putting an end to this third runway debacle, and if not well he
:22:53. > :22:58.apologised to businesses and commuters in Scotland forbidding the
:22:59. > :23:04.economic interests on -- for putting the economic interests on the line.
:23:05. > :23:12.I would like to apologise that some of the things we said the economy
:23:13. > :23:15.have proven not to be the case, but the economy continues to do well.
:23:16. > :23:20.The government will always have a commitment to the people of Scotland
:23:21. > :23:23.as part of one United Kingdom, and the position we seek to take on
:23:24. > :23:27.runway capacity in the south-east, whatever it may be, will be a
:23:28. > :23:31.decision that is also designed to benefit the whole United Kingdom by
:23:32. > :23:40.improving connectivity to the world. When reminded of his words, no ifs,
:23:41. > :23:46.no buts, no third runway, the previous Prime Minister said it
:23:47. > :23:50.would be this summer, but it is October for a decision on Heathrow,
:23:51. > :23:56.but the Prime Minister seems to be erasing all evidence of her
:23:57. > :24:01.predecessor of this. It looks like it is going to be a free vote, can
:24:02. > :24:10.he confirm or deny this? To my constituents, it looks protracted...
:24:11. > :24:14.Order, shorter questions. She's going to have to wait for us to set
:24:15. > :24:18.out our plans. This is an important decision for the nation, one would
:24:19. > :24:22.need to get on with. We have seen a significant change in administration
:24:23. > :24:25.across the summer. It is right and proper that the Prime Minister and I
:24:26. > :24:32.are prepared to take the decision we need to take and we will make sure
:24:33. > :24:39.we are suitably prepared. Will my right honourable friend agree that
:24:40. > :24:43.if we want to keep London as the hub airport for western Europe, it is
:24:44. > :24:50.crucial that we deal with the capacity problems that currently
:24:51. > :24:55.affect Heathrow in particular? This saga has been going on for so long.
:24:56. > :25:02.Can I ask my right honourable friend that he ensures that we do not have
:25:03. > :25:07.any further delays in reaching a conclusion on the Davis
:25:08. > :25:14.recommendations, and can I tell them that there is only one obvious
:25:15. > :25:17.answer, which is Heathrow. As you know, there are differing opinions
:25:18. > :25:22.across the House. It is right and proper that the government looks at
:25:23. > :25:24.all three options recommended to us by the Davis commission in a
:25:25. > :25:28.dispassionate way, assess the strengths and weakness of what is
:25:29. > :25:35.offered, and takes the right decision in the interests of the
:25:36. > :25:39.nation, which is what we will do. As Britain leads the European Union we
:25:40. > :25:43.will have to develop more markets in Asia and the Far East, which means
:25:44. > :25:47.more passenger traffic and more freight traffic. Is it not therefore
:25:48. > :25:53.essential that riverboats plans for the freight hub at Manston Adelaide
:25:54. > :26:01.to proceed to be successful, and we preserve Manston as a national
:26:02. > :26:08.interest? -- hub at Manston are allowed to proceed. I can say to him
:26:09. > :26:12.that this government would be perfectly supportive of proposals to
:26:13. > :26:17.develop a freight hub, but it has to be a matter for the local community,
:26:18. > :26:21.the owners, the local authority, and I hope the right decision will be
:26:22. > :26:26.made in the interests of the nation. There will be 370,000 tonnes of
:26:27. > :26:31.steel in Heathrow expansion, and Heathrow made a commitment to use UK
:26:32. > :26:36.steel. What will the Secretary of State do to ensure that whatever the
:26:37. > :26:43.decision on the infrastructure for airports' UK steel is used in that
:26:44. > :26:47.expansion? I am an unashamed champion for the businesses of this
:26:48. > :26:50.country and for what we do as a nation, giving them the best
:26:51. > :26:53.opportunities. We are an outward facing nation and will always do
:26:54. > :26:58.business with companies from around the world, but it is proper that we
:26:59. > :27:01.should also be champion for those organisations that deliver in this
:27:02. > :27:05.country. The steelmakers are one of those, and I am proud that railways
:27:06. > :27:11.use almost entirely British steel, and I want to see it used on all
:27:12. > :27:16.major infrastructure projects. While residents would agree that there is
:27:17. > :27:23.a need for airport expansion, is he aware that -- does he agree with the
:27:24. > :27:27.concern about the 3 million people living under the flight path at
:27:28. > :27:32.Heathrow, the concern of living a cap on aircraft movements, and does
:27:33. > :27:34.he agree that Heathrow cannot be trusted to not go for a fourth
:27:35. > :27:46.runway and not have nightlights? I am aware how strongly people in
:27:47. > :27:51.West London feel about this and around Gatwick, smaller numbers in
:27:52. > :27:57.Heathrow. I know how passionate she feels about the issues. But I can
:27:58. > :28:02.assure you as we reach this review on the Davis commission, that the
:28:03. > :28:06.impact of noise, air quality and how the issues are dealt with, it will
:28:07. > :28:13.be looked at whatever decision we reach.
:28:14. > :28:22.Thank you Mr Speaker, as a veteran of 12 years, may I congratulate the
:28:23. > :28:26.right honourable gentlemen for his appointment, I look forward to
:28:27. > :28:32.discussions on transport in the months ahead. A decision on the
:28:33. > :28:39.airport expansion is long overview and the need to demonstrate that UK
:28:40. > :28:43.is open for business. Twice delayed, because of political bickering,
:28:44. > :28:52.there are rumours that ministers are to be given a free vote. This is a a
:28:53. > :28:57.is national, critical infrastructure situation, can he say the exact date
:28:58. > :29:02.for the announcement and whatever the decision is will have the full
:29:03. > :29:07.backing of the Cabinet. I am grateful for his words of
:29:08. > :29:13.welcome. You will no Mr Speaker, he is perhaps underemployed by
:29:14. > :29:18.comparison with my previous Shadow held in that Shadow Cabinet role.
:29:19. > :29:25.But I am grateful for the kind words. I look forward to sparring
:29:26. > :29:30.with him across the despatch box with somebody more experienced than
:29:31. > :29:36.I am in the role that I hold. He will understand that this is a
:29:37. > :29:41.decision that is very important in the strategic interests of our
:29:42. > :29:44.nation. I am new to the job, as is the Prime Minister, we wanted to
:29:45. > :29:50.ensure before we took the decision that we had done the work that is
:29:51. > :29:55.necessary to be properly informed. I have done much in the summer to
:29:56. > :29:59.ensure it is the case, to look at the proposals, the Prime Minister is
:30:00. > :30:03.doing the same. We will reach a view shortly, bring that view to this
:30:04. > :30:07.House and Mr Speaker it is right and proper that everyone in the House
:30:08. > :30:14.will have the right and the ability to have their say about their views
:30:15. > :30:18.on this important issue. Thank goodness it is question number
:30:19. > :30:23.five, we are making slow enough progress as it is! I will answer
:30:24. > :30:28.this question together with number eight: The Prime Minister will begin
:30:29. > :30:35.the negotiation of Britain's future relations with the E #u6789 as to
:30:36. > :30:39.when to trigger Article 50 and start the formal process of leaving the
:30:40. > :30:44.European Union. As we move into the new world beyond our membership of
:30:45. > :30:48.the European Union it is important we are an outward facing nation with
:30:49. > :30:52.strong business ties and a decision on the runway is an important part
:30:53. > :30:56.of that, important to get it right but we will move ahead with plans
:30:57. > :31:02.and ensure that we have the right links for the future.
:31:03. > :31:07.I am sure that the Secretary of State shares my enthusiasm that the
:31:08. > :31:12.result of the the referendum gives vast opportunities to forge new
:31:13. > :31:19.links around the world. The airport commission looked at this and the
:31:20. > :31:26.economic expansion of upgrading Heathrow would be ?6 billion as
:31:27. > :31:32.opposed to ?12.4 billion if Gatwick were expand panneded. It would
:31:33. > :31:41.benefit buckinghamshire greatly. Will he commit to an integrated
:31:42. > :31:45.transport strategy to benefit the people of buckinghamshire, unlike
:31:46. > :31:48.HS2? I will assure the House that we will take this decision soon. It is
:31:49. > :31:56.important to move ahead with the plans. I hear what she says about
:31:57. > :31:58.Heathrow Airport. I have seen three very effective, well-crafted
:31:59. > :32:02.proposals for Government and the House to consider. We will reach a
:32:03. > :32:06.view about what recommendation we will seek to make.
:32:07. > :32:11.The Prime Minister's claim that she wishes to govern in the interests of
:32:12. > :32:15.the whole country, expansion of Heathrow Airport delivers over 8,000
:32:16. > :32:19.jobs for Wales and contribute ?6 billion to the growth of our
:32:20. > :32:22.economy. Does the Secretary of State agree that the expansion of Heathrow
:32:23. > :32:30.is the only right answer for the economy of Wales? I hear what the
:32:31. > :32:35.honourable gentlemen say, there are strong views on both sides of the
:32:36. > :32:39.House and indeed all three sides of the argument in this. I note what he
:32:40. > :32:43.says about the importance of proper air links for Wales. This Government
:32:44. > :32:48.will always focus on the best way that we have at our disposal to help
:32:49. > :32:51.Wales. We have to take a decision, though about the interests of the
:32:52. > :32:55.collective United Kingdom which ons is better. That is the decision that
:32:56. > :33:02.we will take. Now that the British people have
:33:03. > :33:05.decided to leave the EU and free our country from interference that
:33:06. > :33:09.regulation brought, this presents new opportunities for the Government
:33:10. > :33:13.to support region that will connect tavity and will he look closely at
:33:14. > :33:19.the options that Heathrow Airport brings? Whatever decision we take
:33:20. > :33:24.about airport expansion, it is important that we have in mind the
:33:25. > :33:27.need to ensure there is good connectivity around the United
:33:28. > :33:32.Kingdom. That is a priority in our considerations.
:33:33. > :33:42.Will the Secretary of State reassure me he will not be diverted by claims
:33:43. > :33:48.about the deference that Brexit makes to airport expansion and
:33:49. > :33:53.address the costs to the taxpayer of road and rail infrastructure that
:33:54. > :33:57.are required for a third runway and look at the comparative costs with
:33:58. > :34:02.other alternatives such as at Gatwick? It is clearly important
:34:03. > :34:06.that we take the decision we take in the interests of the nation, to
:34:07. > :34:12.foster ties around the world and in Europe. We are not leaving Europe
:34:13. > :34:15.but the European Union, we want to retain good economic ties with our
:34:16. > :34:18.neighbours in Europe. What is important is to take the right
:34:19. > :34:25.decision for the whole of the nation.
:34:26. > :34:31.Question number six, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, successive governments
:34:32. > :34:38.have taking the view that tolling is justified on certain infrastructure
:34:39. > :34:44.such as significant crossings. Before the general election the
:34:45. > :34:50.former Chancellor promised motorists in Cheshire West discounts on the
:34:51. > :34:56.tolls to be brought in on the new Mersey gate Weybridge and the old
:34:57. > :35:00.Jubilee Bridge. I have no objection for the government paying for
:35:01. > :35:03.discounts for motorists but constituents in Liverpool and
:35:04. > :35:07.Moseley live closer to the bridges and rely on them as much as people
:35:08. > :35:12.who live in Chester and in Warrington. Will the minister have a
:35:13. > :35:25.word with the new Chancellor and ask him to provide money to pay for the
:35:26. > :35:29.discounts to my constituents? Imagined that the honourable lady
:35:30. > :35:36.would ask that question. She is right that local discounts operate
:35:37. > :35:41.on the gate Weybridge. The government is looking to extend the
:35:42. > :35:45.discounts. But let me be clear. Officials are working through the
:35:46. > :35:52.character and effect of the extension. No decision has been made
:35:53. > :35:56.on it. Of course, I will give full consideration to the argument she
:35:57. > :36:02.has made on behalf of her constituents and others.
:36:03. > :36:08.Is a toll considered for the proposed cross Pennine road link? I
:36:09. > :36:12.did say at the outset, Mr Speaker, that successive governments have
:36:13. > :36:20.taken the view that tolling is for the major infrastructure of schemes.
:36:21. > :36:24.But the honourable gentleman will know as the mayors were spoken of
:36:25. > :36:27.early and being considered, no decisions have been made to the
:36:28. > :36:34.effect he describes. The M4 is the supply route into the
:36:35. > :36:39.Welsh economy and hence there is cross-party support for the
:36:40. > :36:43.devolving of the ownership of several bridges, can he update us
:36:44. > :36:50.with the discussions on this issue? I am happy to ask discussions with
:36:51. > :36:55.the Welsh Government. My view about this is clear, we have been very, I
:36:56. > :37:02.think, plain about the toll on that important crossing. It is this
:37:03. > :37:06.Government government that when the current regime comes to its
:37:07. > :37:10.conclusion in 2018 in that respect, it will halve the toll. We are going
:37:11. > :37:19.to halve the toll. He must welcome that. He knows about the decision. I
:37:20. > :37:23.hope after today's questions and the press release, congratulate the
:37:24. > :37:27.government tonne! On behalf of the SNP, may I welcome the Secretary of
:37:28. > :37:32.State and his new ministers to their place. Was the minister aware that
:37:33. > :37:37.the first act of the SNP Scottish Government was to introduce the
:37:38. > :37:43.abolition of tolls act. Meaning in Scotland there is no need for
:37:44. > :37:47.discounts. Tolls are gone. Saving commuters around screened hundreds
:37:48. > :37:52.of pounds a year and boosting tourism and the economy, has he
:37:53. > :38:01.studied this model for his own use? I will give a short answer, Scottish
:38:02. > :38:07.independence, for me, they could not afford that anymore.
:38:08. > :38:13.There will be no tolls either on the new ?3 billion duelling of the A 9.
:38:14. > :38:18.On the subject of the the A 9 will the minister congratulate the
:38:19. > :38:25.Scottish Government on the safety cameras on the non-dual part of the
:38:26. > :38:31.road to Inverness, previously opposed, that has seen speeding drop
:38:32. > :38:36.from #3 40% to 10%. And reduce injuries. Will he consider that?
:38:37. > :38:41.Volunteers we give consideration to those matters. It is important to
:38:42. > :38:45.give credit where it is due. When I have worked out, following his
:38:46. > :38:52.rather long where the credit is due, I will decide where to give it.
:38:53. > :38:56.Question number nine. Thank you Mr Speaker, with your
:38:57. > :39:03.permission I will answer this together with number 15. Local
:39:04. > :39:08.councils have the powers to provide effective licensing arrangements in
:39:09. > :39:15.their area. We will consult on licensing authorities once the
:39:16. > :39:22.parliamentary process is complete. The internet and smartphone use has
:39:23. > :39:30.revolutionised private hire vehicle and usage. There is technology that
:39:31. > :39:33.is regulating this? The legislation that governs the sector goes back
:39:34. > :39:38.into the age of the horse and the carriage.
:39:39. > :39:45.That is why the Government asked the law commission to take a review of
:39:46. > :39:54.taxi and private hire in England and Wales. We are responding to the law
:39:55. > :40:00.commission's report in due course. Sheffield City Council believes that
:40:01. > :40:07.the tough policy on child sexual exploitation is useless. Will the
:40:08. > :40:12.minister meet with me and other colleagues to discuss taxi licensing
:40:13. > :40:17.in relation to CSE? I would be happy to meet with the honourable lady.
:40:18. > :40:20.Point out whatever licensing area you are operating you have to ensure
:40:21. > :40:25.that a fit and proper test is carried out.
:40:26. > :40:31.Can I also welcome the Secretary of State. He knows my city of Cambridge
:40:32. > :40:36.well. We look forward to him coming to open the new railway station, and
:40:37. > :40:40.he knows that Cambridge is full of people who thinks that prisoners
:40:41. > :40:45.should read books and Britain should be in the European Union.
:40:46. > :40:48.We have heard of the problems in the taxi trade, and the procrastination
:40:49. > :40:53.and inaction since the law commissioned report. In a debate
:40:54. > :40:58.raised by my friend, the minister told us some months ago he was about
:40:59. > :41:03.to act. Yet in a written question to me a few days ago he said that the
:41:04. > :41:06.Government has no plans to bring forward legislation in the current
:41:07. > :41:15.session. How much longer will yes to wait? This is a complex matter, we
:41:16. > :41:23.are working through it. The issue of child sexual exploitation in the
:41:24. > :41:30.area has taking action by moving the guidance to a statutory basis as
:41:31. > :41:37.soon as the policing and crime bill has reached such dissent.
:41:38. > :41:42.What a striking contrast with the Mayor of London, does the minister
:41:43. > :41:48.recognise the problem with cross border licensing? We have heard that
:41:49. > :41:52.there are councils handing out licences like confetti, clogging up
:41:53. > :41:56.the streets of London, adding to congestion, how much longer to wait
:41:57. > :42:00.before you take the problem seriously? The Government is taking
:42:01. > :42:04.the issue seriously. I am aware of the actions taken by the Mayor of
:42:05. > :42:09.London. But it is worth to ensure to get the actions right. I understand
:42:10. > :42:16.that one of the operators has won the right to a judicial review.
:42:17. > :42:22.We started late because of the preliminary announcement, but we
:42:23. > :42:31.must have much shorter questions. Questions have been simply far too
:42:32. > :42:36.long. There are no current plans to extend the Crossrail route, and a
:42:37. > :42:41.proposed extension would need to be in the best interest of rail
:42:42. > :42:45.passengers. Crossrail is on budget, on time and going to dramatically
:42:46. > :42:51.reduce journey times across London. The one area of the capital that is
:42:52. > :42:54.not advantaged by this is north-west London. Will my honourable friend
:42:55. > :42:59.look at the business case that there is to expand the network so all the
:43:00. > :43:02.Londoners can benefit from Crossrail? He is right to point out
:43:03. > :43:07.the connectivity benefits, and I know that they have looked at the
:43:08. > :43:11.possibility of extending Crossrail through Harrow, which he has been
:43:12. > :43:16.campaigning for, and into Hertfordshire. It was found by
:43:17. > :43:19.Crossrail, Transport for London and Network Rail to offer poor value for
:43:20. > :43:26.money, therefore we are not taking it forward at this time, but we keep
:43:27. > :43:32.it under review. As much as I would like my constituents to benefit from
:43:33. > :43:36.an expanded cross -- Crossrail network, geography makes it
:43:37. > :43:39.unlikely. Can he tell me what his assessment is of his submission from
:43:40. > :43:44.South-eastern Trains for additional rolling stock? We always want to
:43:45. > :43:49.make sure that commuters in London, one of the most burdened parts of
:43:50. > :43:52.the network, have the best possible chance of having reliable,
:43:53. > :43:56.predictable, punctual service with a good chance of getting a seat. That
:43:57. > :44:03.is why we are investing is a many billions in new carriages across
:44:04. > :44:07.London, the south-east, under 13 years of Labour Government. Unlike
:44:08. > :44:12.13 years of Labour Government. The government is committed to
:44:13. > :44:17.Crossrail, which will be the backbone of the rail network. I have
:44:18. > :44:23.spent a lot of time looking at the full extent of the route, so I fully
:44:24. > :44:27.understand the issues around it. In Liverpool there are concerns that we
:44:28. > :44:31.will not be properly connected to HS2, which will be challenging for
:44:32. > :44:36.passengers and for transporting freight which comes into the new
:44:37. > :44:39.super port. It also calls into question a genuine Northern
:44:40. > :44:46.Powerhouse. Can he confirm that the provision for the junction for a
:44:47. > :44:50.junction link will be announced in the Autumn Statement? I cannot
:44:51. > :44:53.preannounced the Autumn Statement. I am a regular visitor to Liverpool
:44:54. > :45:02.and I am well aware of the transport challenges around the city, and I am
:45:03. > :45:09.proud we are spending ?350 million today on rail improvements. Will he
:45:10. > :45:13.agree that the biggest disadvantage of the HS2 Vit is that it does not
:45:14. > :45:17.go to Cleethorpes, and as he knows we are urgently in need of our
:45:18. > :45:20.direct service to King's Cross. Will he continue to work with me to try
:45:21. > :45:27.to deliver a direct service to Cleethorpes? I will be delighted to
:45:28. > :45:34.always work with him on improving the system in Cleethorpes, but I am
:45:35. > :45:39.afraid I will not deliver on HS2 arriving there. HS2 is meant to be a
:45:40. > :45:41.jewel in the crown of infrastructure, but in a review of
:45:42. > :45:45.the Public Accounts Committee it is losing some of its lustre. To still
:45:46. > :45:50.not know how much it will cost, what the route will be, and when it will
:45:51. > :45:55.open is unacceptable. The government are losing grip on this project.
:45:56. > :46:00.Will he take this opportunity to answer why his department have
:46:01. > :46:05.failed to set a workable timetable for HS2 Ltd and give their
:46:06. > :46:11.guaranteed to deliver the entire high-speed railway? I do not want to
:46:12. > :46:19.start my relationship with a bad note -- with the gentleman on a bad
:46:20. > :46:23.note, but that is nonsense. The work will start next year. We aim to
:46:24. > :46:29.deliver on as planned in the middle of the next decade. Later this
:46:30. > :46:37.autumn we will set out in detail the remaining route, and I am proud to
:46:38. > :46:41.do that. The DVLA deals with around 600,000 medical cases each year, the
:46:42. > :46:47.vast majority do with the and efficiently, but the other 10% are
:46:48. > :46:50.complex, requiring consultation with several medical professionals. Each
:46:51. > :46:56.case is taken on its merits, so this takes time. The DVLA has taken on
:46:57. > :47:02.over 100 extra staff and additional medicals -- medical professionals.
:47:03. > :47:11.If you're cleared of your condition, it takes time for the processing. If
:47:12. > :47:19.some people lose their licence, they can also be losing their ability to
:47:20. > :47:24.continue their career. So far we have been successful in processing,
:47:25. > :47:27.with the average of 53 days, and this year it is 38, we are reducing
:47:28. > :47:41.that even further. This government is making the
:47:42. > :47:46.biggest investment in railways since the Victorian era, enabling more and
:47:47. > :47:50.longer trains to operate on busy routes. 563 new carriages are
:47:51. > :47:57.planned to enter service by the end of 2020. Why is his department
:47:58. > :48:03.waited two years before even making a decision on the privately financed
:48:04. > :48:09.money available to electrify the line to Hull? I will not have a
:48:10. > :48:15.theological debate whether this is privately or publicly financed, but
:48:16. > :48:21.I recognise she has been a campaigner for improved services to
:48:22. > :48:26.Hull, and as far as I'm concerned connectivity is important and I look
:48:27. > :48:29.forward to giving her good news. Electrification of the Chastelain
:48:30. > :48:32.will help address issues of overcrowding, but I'm aware that
:48:33. > :48:36.there may be delays in getting electric trains on the line. Will he
:48:37. > :48:42.review this issue and do everything in his power to ensure we get
:48:43. > :48:47.electric trains as soon as possible. We had a productive meeting with the
:48:48. > :48:52.honourable Lady last week. She is a doughty campaigner on of this line,
:48:53. > :48:59.and she will continue to press for further advantages on this issue. --
:49:00. > :49:04.advances. The service on southern rail is the worst in the country,
:49:05. > :49:08.and passengers have endured overcrowding for far too long.
:49:09. > :49:12.Removing hundreds of services a day has exacerbated this. When will he
:49:13. > :49:17.bring the misery of long-suffering passengers to an end and intervene?
:49:18. > :49:20.Or does he agree with the former rail minister who said there are no
:49:21. > :49:25.circumstances that would warrant GTR being stripped of the franchise? I'm
:49:26. > :49:29.sure he will welcome the fact we now have over two thirds of the services
:49:30. > :49:35.that were taken out of the timetable may put back in again. Our focus is
:49:36. > :49:39.on restoring normality to the service and putting the passengers
:49:40. > :49:48.first. Services improving on a regular basis with more services
:49:49. > :49:55.returning to a full timetable. Briefly, thank you again to the SNP
:49:56. > :50:03.for their kind words of introduction to myself and the team. It is great
:50:04. > :50:06.to be back after a decade. I am very proud that my first actions as
:50:07. > :50:12.Secretary of State were firstly to give the go-ahead for the expansion
:50:13. > :50:15.of the airport and second leads to visit the Bombardier factory to
:50:16. > :50:22.announce a ?1 billion new train order for this country. I would like
:50:23. > :50:29.to thank all the people making it a success. Will the government count
:50:30. > :50:33.the mileage on the road that remain and adopted by local highways
:50:34. > :50:41.authorities that include a growing number... Will be ensure that no
:50:42. > :50:47.council road remains unadopted -- local road remains unadopted in ten
:50:48. > :50:52.years? I will happily talk about the situation in catering with them, it
:50:53. > :50:59.remains unacceptable. The Minister will be wearing national newspapers
:51:00. > :51:02.for action -- will be aware of the national newspaper calling for
:51:03. > :51:07.action against people using mobile phones while driving. Will he work
:51:08. > :51:12.with those, the daily Mirror and others to clamp-down on this
:51:13. > :51:16.practice? First of all they were in power for 13 years and did not
:51:17. > :51:24.tackle the issue. Secondly, I am very clear that this is an
:51:25. > :51:31.acceptable practice. It is one in which we intend to unveil tough
:51:32. > :51:35.action on it. To ministers agree that the Brighton mainline rail line
:51:36. > :51:41.that has a feasibility study on boing at the moment, do the agree
:51:42. > :51:47.that this is the only realistic long-term solution to increase rail
:51:48. > :51:50.capacity to the Sussex coast? I am interested in this, and it is being
:51:51. > :51:55.looked at carefully, but I would say to every member and passengers of
:51:56. > :51:59.the southern route, the issues of the last few months have been
:52:00. > :52:04.unacceptable. I am working hard with all of those involved and have
:52:05. > :52:07.unveiled a number of changes in recent weeks which will help to
:52:08. > :52:19.resolve it as quickly as possible. It has to be resolved. Policy bands
:52:20. > :52:23.local authorities providing bus services. The Minister explain how
:52:24. > :52:29.this clause can possibly be reconciled with the government's
:52:30. > :52:34.so-called devolution? It is simply because the government is giving
:52:35. > :52:39.more powers to local authorities to franchise. We were anxious that the
:52:40. > :52:45.powers to commission and provide were separated. Two out of three
:52:46. > :52:50.platforms at Lichfield Trent Valley Railway Station, which is on the
:52:51. > :52:54.West Coast mainline, are completely inaccessible to disabled people.
:52:55. > :52:59.First there was a plan to make it accessible, then they said it was
:53:00. > :53:02.delayed. People in Lichfield and in particular the member of Parliament
:53:03. > :53:08.for Lichfield, is getting irritated about this. What is happening? I am
:53:09. > :53:17.grateful for the question. Like me, he is an advocate of a proved
:53:18. > :53:22.accessibility. -- improved accessibility. Work was prioritised,
:53:23. > :53:26.and I hope to announce shortly which stations will be prioritised again.
:53:27. > :53:33.I stop in Lichfield Trent Valley myself, largely in the dark, and I'm
:53:34. > :53:38.aware there is a need for accessibility. I look forward to
:53:39. > :53:46.meet with him to further discuss it. Stephen Kinnock. Where is he? Rail
:53:47. > :53:53.passengers in the north, including the Calder Valley line, are
:53:54. > :53:57.frequently packed onto ageing trains including pacers. It is encouraging
:53:58. > :54:04.to see that a reader North rail have signed a deal to deliver hundreds of
:54:05. > :54:14.new carriages from October 2018, but what assurances can he get that ever
:54:15. > :54:19.short financing will not lead to delays and fare increases? -- Arriva
:54:20. > :54:25.North rail. She shares my interest in seeing the back of Pacers, and
:54:26. > :54:29.she will be pleased that they will be disappearing by December 2019. An
:54:30. > :54:41.improvement on the Calder Valley would improve in two phases, on the
:54:42. > :54:46.east, 2019, and the West this year. The consultation on the North
:54:47. > :54:52.timetable continues, but the platform facility at Stevenage will
:54:53. > :54:58.not be completed, so can the Minister of intervene and persuade
:54:59. > :55:04.net future rail -- Hertfordshire rail to sort this out? I have
:55:05. > :55:08.recently been made aware of the situation and I do not want to see
:55:09. > :55:17.the timetable held back, I will be be engaging with all involved.
:55:18. > :55:22.Constituent has complained to me that his commuter rail fare has been
:55:23. > :55:26.increased from last week by 35%. Does the Minister agree that this
:55:27. > :55:32.should not be done without consultation and further more should
:55:33. > :55:36.be against the law? I always recognise the concerns of customers
:55:37. > :55:42.behind a pay. I have been clear with the rail industry so far that they
:55:43. > :55:50.have to put the passengers first. The convenience of Lee Ingleby
:55:51. > :55:55.subsidiary and set current noise levels from Heathrow flights are
:55:56. > :55:59.breaching medically safe guidance for my residents. Will he meet with
:56:00. > :56:08.me to discuss how his department can help us to address this very serious
:56:09. > :56:13.concern? I will be delighted to meet with her. I am aware of the noise
:56:14. > :56:16.issues and I am pleased to see that the latest generation of aircraft
:56:17. > :56:21.are bringing down noise levels but I recognise there is still a big
:56:22. > :56:25.challenge for residents close to Heathrow and other airports around
:56:26. > :56:30.the United Kingdom. Is he able to offer reassurance to residents and
:56:31. > :56:34.businesses on HS2 compensation? We have heard about the report, is
:56:35. > :56:40.chief executive resigned this week. They see it as a white elephant. As
:56:41. > :56:46.she knows there is a substantial compensation scheme in place for
:56:47. > :56:49.those affected by HS2. HS2 will bring greater prosperity across the
:56:50. > :56:51.United Kingdom and I hope she will recognise that and support it,
:56:52. > :57:02.notwithstanding local challenges. In a few weeks' time it is likely
:57:03. > :57:07.that the House will be asked if they want a new runway at Gatwick or
:57:08. > :57:13.Heathrow. All of the evidence suggests that even in the Government
:57:14. > :57:18.gives a green light to Heathrow, there will be problems, will the
:57:19. > :57:21.minister invoke a clear risk assessment, looking the
:57:22. > :57:25.environmental, planning risks, legal risks so that the House can take a
:57:26. > :57:30.proper decision on the deliverability of the scheme? I can
:57:31. > :57:33.assure you that when the time comes to bring these matters to the House
:57:34. > :57:38.that the detailed information on which the Government has formed its
:57:39. > :57:42.view, is right and proper. You will know that there are differing
:57:43. > :57:46.opinions in the House, and three strong proposals for us to consider
:57:47. > :57:51.from. We will take the best possible decision in the interests of the
:57:52. > :57:57.nations. I'm sure most of us in the House will do the same.
:57:58. > :58:02.There is concern over the number of road accidents involving young
:58:03. > :58:09.people. There is research that supports the case that young drivers
:58:10. > :58:13.between the ages of 17 and 21, are far more likely to crash than
:58:14. > :58:20.drivers over the age of 70. With this in mind, would you look at a
:58:21. > :58:27.driver's licensing scheme? Many rely on cars to get to work and indeed
:58:28. > :58:33.college. We are focussing on learner drivers to be better prepared. That
:58:34. > :58:38.is the reform package around the driving tests and the consultation
:58:39. > :58:43.on that closed a few days ago. Do you still consider that this
:58:44. > :58:51.autumn the new proposals for the HS2 route to Leeds will be published? Mr
:58:52. > :58:55.Speaker, it is my intention to publish details of the northern
:58:56. > :59:00.part, the last leg to Manchester later this autumn. It is definitely
:59:01. > :59:05.my intention to do that. What is the minister's assessment of
:59:06. > :59:11.when the seven bridges concession will end given the extra traffic and
:59:12. > :59:15.the work going on and other dates where you have not had a date yet
:59:16. > :59:21.for public consultation. It is right to have that confidence.
:59:22. > :59:25.I am happy to commit to doing the works necessary to reassure the
:59:26. > :59:31.honourable lady about that. It must be safe, secure and right. I am more
:59:32. > :59:36.than happy to make that commitment. I call Parliament's grass roots
:59:37. > :59:42.sports champion of the year! Thank you Mr Speaker. People in Corby
:59:43. > :59:48.would like a greater number of rail services north and southbound. Will
:59:49. > :59:54.the minister have discussions on this for the future? I am happy to
:59:55. > :59:57.take suggestions on how to improve rail services across the country. I
:59:58. > :00:05.would like to hear from him about what is needed in Corby.
:00:06. > :00:14.Given the connectivity on rail, would you assure that the aviation
:00:15. > :00:19.and minister officials give prompt consideration to the for the city of
:00:20. > :00:27.Derry for a twice daily service to London? The answer to that is yes it
:00:28. > :00:35.is on my desk. I am pleased over the summer, the link to North America
:00:36. > :00:40.was kept in place. Good connectivity in Northern Ireland is good and
:00:41. > :00:44.should always be possible. I requested a meeting to discuss the
:00:45. > :00:48.failings that my constituents have had at the hands of Network Rail.
:00:49. > :00:56.Would you suggest a meeting on that today? Yes! As we are seeing a
:00:57. > :00:59.bonfire of the vanity projects associated with the former
:01:00. > :01:07.Chancellor and Prime Minister, would it be sensible to add to the list,
:01:08. > :01:14.healing the advice of Rod Eddington in the 2006 study to bin HS2 and
:01:15. > :01:19.focus on the local capacity to benefit passengers and regions? The
:01:20. > :01:23.trick is to do both. I can assure him as a Birmingham member of
:01:24. > :01:28.Parliament he is absolutely not speaking the same language as his
:01:29. > :01:32.City Council as many of those involved in the business community
:01:33. > :01:37.in Birmingham, looking forward to the benefits that HS2 will bring to
:01:38. > :01:42.that city. Will my right honourable friend
:01:43. > :01:47.commit if there are further delays in the announcement of HS2 that
:01:48. > :01:50.affects my constituency, that compensation is given to the
:01:51. > :01:57.residents whose properties are blighted? I will talk to the
:01:58. > :02:02.honourable lady about it. It is not my desire to delay routes. It is the
:02:03. > :02:08.intention to set out further plans this autumn.
:02:09. > :02:15.Concerning Vauxhall Zafira mod es going on fire. 300 in the UK, will
:02:16. > :02:21.he agree to meet with myself and affected drivers later in the year.
:02:22. > :02:25.The DVSA has met with this and continues to laze with Vauxhall.
:02:26. > :02:33.There have been two safety recalls. I would be happy to meet with the
:02:34. > :02:39.gentlemen gentleman. For 25 years, the link road in my
:02:40. > :02:44.constituency is vital, backed by the local council and in the July budget
:02:45. > :02:55.book, will the minister meet with me to discuss bringing this forward?
:02:56. > :02:59.Yes! Will the minister agree to invite all members served by
:03:00. > :03:03.south-eastern trains to a meeting with the honourable member for
:03:04. > :03:10.Bromley? Our constituents are suffering daily disruption to the
:03:11. > :03:15.lives as a result of the poor network south.
:03:16. > :03:19.I recognise this and I am happy to meet with all members on all sides.
:03:20. > :03:24.As the Government has committed to the development of Crossrail 2. Will
:03:25. > :03:29.my honourable friend give the support for the construction of four
:03:30. > :03:36.tracking on the West Anglia line, the integral part of it? I look
:03:37. > :03:46.forward to reading about it and discussing it with him.
:03:47. > :03:51.My constituency work at Liverpool airport faced paying extra pounds
:03:52. > :03:57.each year when the toll is opened, can we talk about the costs for the
:03:58. > :04:01.tolls so that people are not charged further going to work.
:04:02. > :04:07.I am very happy to look at the detail of this. I am open minded as
:04:08. > :04:10.is well-known. A defining characteristic of the
:04:11. > :04:15.radical gentleman, having known him for 30 years.
:04:16. > :04:20.Insurance for young drivers has become expensive. One method put
:04:21. > :04:26.forward is a black box system to monitor the driving and there by
:04:27. > :04:31.reduce the costs. Can other insurance companies use
:04:32. > :04:37.this system so that the young drivers take advantage of it? There
:04:38. > :04:40.are cheaper premiums if you accept the benefits that technolgy
:04:41. > :04:46.provides. I have met with the insurance industry and will raise
:04:47. > :04:52.this concern with them. To his rely on the deadly menace of
:04:53. > :04:58.mobile phone use, did the Secretary of State hear the statement that use
:04:59. > :05:03.of mobile phones impairs drivers' ability more seriously than
:05:04. > :05:11.drinking? And that the ?50 fine is inadequate response to this deadly
:05:12. > :05:16.menace on the road? I am sorry but I will be outlining tough plans on
:05:17. > :05:25.this in response to a sense of pressure from wider groups outside.
:05:26. > :05:30.He mentioned a national newspaper, The Daily Mail are also doing so,
:05:31. > :05:34.arched there is a right to do so, and this is in my view happening far
:05:35. > :05:42.too often. I had a debate on the establishment
:05:43. > :05:46.of an independent aviation noise authority, given his words today on
:05:47. > :05:51.noise pollution from aviation aircraft, will he commit to
:05:52. > :05:56.supporting the establishment of an independent aviation noise
:05:57. > :06:01.authority? Well, given the pending decisions on runways which I will
:06:02. > :06:06.not set out those plans today. But will take note of what she says and
:06:07. > :06:10.that the noise is a major one for us.
:06:11. > :06:18.Can you confirm that the Secretary of State confirms announcements to
:06:19. > :06:23.allow TFL to take over south eastern services when the contract lapses?
:06:24. > :06:26.My concern and the Government's concern is that devolution has to
:06:27. > :06:31.happen when it makes a difference, not just for its own sake. I am
:06:32. > :06:35.waiting for proposals from the Mayor about how he thinks that the
:06:36. > :06:43.services can be enhanced in London before making chances.
:06:44. > :06:48.I would like a word with the Chancellor to reverse a 25% cut that
:06:49. > :06:56.Scotland has suffered for investment in road and rail in Scotland? Mr
:06:57. > :07:00.Speaker, in my view Scotland benefits enormously from the funding
:07:01. > :07:07.provided as part of the United Kingdom. That will continue unless
:07:08. > :07:11.they seek to change the situation and puts Scotland in a situation
:07:12. > :07:21.that they will be far worse off. Order. The Royal Assent Act 19 of 7.
:07:22. > :07:33.Her Majesty gave signature to the Royal Act. Finances Act, 2016. Aber
:07:34. > :07:37.dasher's Act Charity Act 2016. Business question: Paul Palestinian.
:07:38. > :07:41.Will the leader give us the business of the House in the week following
:07:42. > :07:51.this unnecessarily protracted recess? Mr Speaker, the business for
:07:52. > :07:57.the week commencing the 10th of October will be as follows: Monday
:07:58. > :08:02.10th of October a motion to approve the second report, 2016 to 2017 from
:08:03. > :08:04.the committee of privileges. Followed by the second reading of
:08:05. > :08:05.the neighbourhood planning