Transport Questions House of Commons

Questions to the Transport

Secretary.

Order, order. Questions to the

Secretary of State, for transport.

Can I start by making the house were

about unfortunately the

Parliamentary Secretary of State is

not with us this morning because he

has been invited to appear at a

select committee. You will share my

disappointment, that any committee

with call him when he is supposed to

be giving answers to the house. The

two things we are doing to improve

north and south rail connections,

HS2, it is going to have a

transformational effect on people in

the Midlands, North England and

Scotland. And operating on the east

Coast mainline. Additional and

faster services. And those are going

to be running of the East coast of

Scotland.

Thank you. Real funding

has increased from three building to

3.6 billion, can I ask what

consideration has been given to

increase road connections from

Scotland, especially along the east

coast?

The east coast is the main

priority and road building terms. We

are close to opening what will be

the final link, I am amazed it has

not happened already, the motorway

between London and Newcastle. Then

dualling of the A1. We want to take

that to the border. Editors to the

Scottish Government to make sure

something meets us at the other way.

The Minister may know that I have

done more miles east coast than any

other member of this house. With

that experience, it is chaos on the

east coast. Stagecoach let off

obligations to pay money, and yet

again the East Coast line in a mess.

He is doing nothing about it.

Already recovered from the obvious

disappointment of Arsenal's

demolition of his team 5-0.

A little

bit below the belt, Mr Speaker. He

will be aware that notwithstanding

these issues, passenger satisfaction

has improved rather than reduced.

The money going to the taxpayer has

increased travel ban reduced.

Slightly misjudging the position.

The Secretary of State knows how

important the East Coast Main Line

is to my constituents. Under other

recent years, Network Rail's

performance has been poor. The track

needs considerable investment. That

is the reason delays have increased.

Will be new public-private

partnership have more investment in

the track?

I can give my honourable

friend that assurance. We have is of

social investment programme lined

up, improving the track. That is

something that is going to be

stereed by the partnership.

The

Secretary of State revealed to the

dualling of the A1. Turn the

Secretary of State understand the

disappointment of that the spawning

of the A1 roundabout scheme?

What we

have been doing is ensuring simply

that we phase project, causing the

minimal possible disruption, but

making sure the programme goes

forward. As a Conservative

government, we are transforming A1.

The project long overdue.

Thank you.

Going back to the rail funding, the

Secretary of State has a wheel that

it is a £600 million funding gap to

Scotland. Previously, funding was

based on percentage of the network.

Can he explain why on his watch, if

he thinks north south is a priority,

why we should have this cut in

funding?

I am happy that funding is

allocated to Scotland, on the basis

of the Barnett Formula.

I just

explained, it was based on need, and

percentage of network. It was

acknowledge that allocation of

funding should be be stored on need

and geography. It should be the same

for rail. A question tabled in

October, the Secretary of State said

that various discussions with those

in Scotland from tainted thing, it

is time that he should prioritise

this, and meet with the Transport

Secretary for Scotland, discussing

the budget and north south linkages?

If the honourable gentleman wants to

meet with the government to discuss

the removal of the Barnett Formula,

and needs based funding then that

would be an interesting discussion.

What we have followed as the Barnett

Formula, most recently we have

provided additional funding, through

the allocations in the budget.

Capital investment, that is the way

that we operate.

We learned

yesterday that the East Coast

franchise is good to be terminated

in 2020, three years earlier.

Potentially forfeiting billions of

pounds in premium. The Secretary of

State told the house that Stagecoach

will meet in full commitments to the

government in this contract. Can he

confirmed that the full 3.3 billion

due from Stagecoach will be paid to

the Treasury in accordance with the

original contract?

Every time a franchisee takes up a

new contract, parents company

commitments in full.

Will the

premiums due under that contract,

covering 2020-2023, £2 billion, be

paid? Will they be paid? Yes, no?

Self evidently, after my announcing

yesterday that we would have the

East Coast partnership in place in

2020. New arrangement. What I have

said to him, every franchisee makes

appearing company commitment before

taking out the contract. We will

hold that commitment.

Thank you Mr

Speaker. Last month, the ease costs

is going to be introducing new

express trains from 2018. We have

also committed to HS2, transforming

the network.

I thank the Minister

for the answer. I welcome the

strategy that was announced

yesterday in the house. My right

honourable friend knows that might

interest in the express services

from my constituency to Birmingham,

I am grateful for the injuries

shown. Will the real Minister agree

to meet with me and operators, in

light of the new franchise announced

to looked at the keys to see if we

can push this forward?

We always

have new colleagues, both at the

same time, we always look to make

improvements on networks, not least

with new building stock. Earlier and

later services to Birmingham. More

than happy to meet, to discuss what

can be done.

One of the ways of

improving express train services,

new routes. Does he agree with me,

that the opening of a route from

Chester, via Wrexham and Shrewsbury

to London with ease pressures and be

an excellent novel way of

approaching capacity difficulties?

I

know that he was listening carefully

to yesterday's announcement. A lot

of reference to reopening lines. It

is an ideal that we will be

considering further.

The government

has embarked on the biggest

programme for the railways since the

Victorian era, what role in the need

to improve productivity?

I think she

is right to point out the

significant investment, underpinned

by improving productivity. Just

today, we will be launching the HS2

productivity report that Nottingham,

setting out how we intend to improve

HS2.

A lot of talk about

improvements to the Midlands main

line, the last train leaves some two

hours earlier than Manchester,

Bristol. When the new franchise is

let, this particular aspect will be

addressed?

I was not aware of the

information, regarding late services

from Sheffield. Just as entitled to

a late departure as any other city.

We will look to the timetable as

part of the franchise. That will be

taken into account.

Could the

Minister Seaport discussions have

been killed with freight users about

short notice terminations, causing

hundreds of cargo to move to the

roads?

I am grateful for him raising

the issue, it is perhaps often gets

overlooked. I have frequent meetings

with the sector, and engagement with

officials at the Department. We

always look at concerns about

freight, any conditions of the

future of the network.

Questioned three.

With permission I

will answer this question together

with question 16. With consulted the

European tyre manufacturing

association and beyond the use and

maintenance of the tyre, they are

significant factors in the ageing

process.

Surveys show 27% of drivers

don't actually maintain or check

their tyres. What will the Minister

do to raise public awareness about

this?

We are acting exactly on that

matter. The Department has

introduced measures. Written copies

of our guidance has been delivered

to every single bus and coach

operator in Great Britain. The

guidance reflects best practice and

supplements best advice on the use

of tyres.

Clay go.

Claire eagle.

Can the Minister confirm that he and

his party will not be seeking to

oppose this administration?

The

honourable lady has particular

knowledge of this. One of her

constituents in deed died in the

accident relating to attire. She

came to see the previous Secretary

of State. She is right to take this

seriously. I will not comment on

that because you wouldn't expect me

to, Mr Speaker, but I will say this

to her, and I hope she will respect

the seriousness I give this matter.

I am prepared to commit today that

my department will engage with

further research with the experts in

the industry and others to establish

exactly the effect of age of tyres

on safety and security. The safe and

secure passage of people is our

absolute first priority and we will

do all that is necessary to ensure

that.

The tired campaign was

highlighted to me at party

conference. I was somebody who

formerly worked in road safety and

it was frankly shocking to me.

Particularly where we have many of

our children travelling on coaches

to school. I am delighted to hear

from the Minister that they are

undertaking to do more work on this.

In our constituencies, many of our

visitors come via coaches. Kammy

commits to really taking action so

no more people die in this way? --

can we commit.

I understand. The

tragedy I described in my previous

answer relates to a young person.

She is right that public safety is

an absolute priority. We have worked

closely with the British car

industry to produce competences

guide to best practice. The advice

gives that older tyres should simply

not be used on the front axle.

That's why want to go further and

look at this matter in greater

detail.

I know my honourable friend

has concerns about the impact of HS2

on major roads in his constituency.

The project as a number of measures

in place to ensure the impact of HS2

on the road network is minimised,

that HS2 Limited are working with

local authorities and indeed

highways England.

At the risk of

clogging up my honourable friend's

diary, would he meet with me and

other Staffordshire MPs and

Staffordshire Council and the city

of Stoke-on-Trent and highways

England to ensure more than adequate

preparations are put in place so we

don't see damage to regional and

national businesses as a result of

the construction of this railway if

it goes ahead?

He should have no

fear and it would be a pleasure to

meet with him. It's critical we

understand the impact on local roads

and all relevant stakeholders,

including local authorities are

around the table with HS2 addressing

the detail of their proposals.

Can I

welcome the announcer from the

Department for Transport last week

of the £13 billion that will be

spent on improving road safety. --

30 million pounds. How did the

Department come up with the fairest

way to distribute this money?

Approximately a third of the route

will be constructed in

Buckinghamshire. The council will

only receive less than £4 million of

this funding.

The honourable lady

makes a valuable point. Part of what

we have to consider is where the

biggest impact on local roads

actually is. Buckinghamshire will

have less of the road network being

affected. I will respond to her via

letter if I may with the precise

formula.

Question five.

Mr Speaker,

with your permission I will answer

this question together with question

six. We recognise the importance of

supporting regional growth, which is

why we are increasing government

infrastructure investment by 50%

over the next four years. Those

decisions are based on a fair and

rigorous process designed to ensure

spending goes where it is most

needed.

Will the Secretary of State

put some power into the northern

powerhouse and pledged to get

funding for passenger trains and

platforms to go on to the existing

mid Cheshire rail network?

As

somebody who used to live very close

to the mid Cheshire railway, and

indeed used to walk alongside it, I

am well aware of its potential. I

have asked transport for the North

to do work alongside this. They will

take a lead on making

recommendations about new projects.

I will say to him, I am extremely

sympathetic to the idea of trains

running again on that line.

Between

2011 and 2016 the average spending

per head of population on transport

infrastructure in London was £725. A

similar figure for the north-east

was £286. The investment we have

retained in the metro is well

welcomed. We have a long and

historical legacy of

underinvestment. Will the new

formula do something about that

historical legacy of

underinvestment?

To be honest, I

must concerned with formula than

actually doing things. I'm delighted

we are renewing metro trains. I said

yesterday that I'm keen to pursue

the Blyth to Ashington extension.

That's why the opening of the first

motorway road complete link from

Newcastle to London is imported. We

want to keep on with the A1 north to

Newcastle and is dealing with the

A66 as well.

Does the Secretary of

State agree with me that doubling

the line from Ely, will bring

significant benefits to the Eastern

region?

Absolutely, Mr Speaker. I

had regard this along with the

trans-Pennine upgrade is one of the

key priorities for the next railway

investment period. Ely junction will

unlock freight and passenger

capacity in an important part of the

country. And along with investment

we are putting in elsewhere, is part

of the strategy going forward.

Can I

thank the Secretary of State for his

support in securing £79 million of

funding for a new link road from

Saint Austell to a main road in my

constituency as confirmed in the

budget last week. Does he agree with

me that this and other schemes like

duelling the A30 in Cornwall shows

this government's commitment to

improving infrastructure across the

country bastion like I'm grateful

for those comments. I am pleased to

deliver that road for the people of

Cornwall.

It's important for the

regions of this country whether it

is the north-east of the south-west,

areas that need more infrastructure

support to get the economy to

develop.

Last week the Chancellor

announced an extension to youth

railcars. In my constituency young

people have to take the bus to

college and the cheapest fare for a

17-year-old is £28 per week. But the

Secretary of State takes some

measures to help young people in the

North as well as the South?

Absolutely. Bus fares is something

we have less control over as a

department, particularly with new

franchise arrangements coming into

place. But I will certainly make

sure that the parliamentary group

Secretary of State responsible for

buses is aware of those concerns and

will respond. The government is

committed to ensuring that continued

levels of record investment best

address the needs of passengers and

freight. Passengers expect

high-quality rail services. We are

committed to electrification where

it brings genuine benefits to

passengers and value for money for

the tax payers.

No rail system can

be called high-speed unless it is

electric. After blocking the Hull

privately financed rail

electrification scheme a year ago,

I'm sure the Transport Secretary

will recall that yesterday he told

the Liverpool to Hull Crossrail for

the North will happen in parallel

with the Surrey to Hertfordshire

Crossrail two. We'll both these

lines be electrified just as

Crossrail one is electric?

I really

do think at a time when we are

seeing technology move very fast,

that people have to get away from

the idea on a set focus of

individual form of motor power. It's

not the case that every speed fast

train, every 125 mph train has to be

powered by a particular power

source. In the coming years we will

see more development in mode

technology, battery technology and

hydrogen technology. We will use the

systems that make the most

difference to the passenger most

cost effectively.

Despite the

creaking electrification

infrastructure on the east coast,

the 43 page connecting people was

jammed with funding re-announcement,

possible reopenings, adjustments to

delivery dates and a lot of words to

try to hide what we all now know was

the central purpose, to conceal the

deal on the failed franchise. The

new partnership that passengers want

is for the trains to arrive on time.

When will we see the upgrade to

electrification work is needed on

the east coast?

As I said earlier,

the key point to make is the next

investment control period contains a

programme that continues upgrading

investment in the East Coast Main

line to go along with a new

generation of smart new, effective

and passenger friendly trains. All

that will happen so we deliver those

improvements, deliver passenger

services. Listening to the Shadow

Secretary of State's questions, not

understood that this will be a

completely fresh partnership with

potentially new partners and a new

way forward, delivering better

services to passengers in a new

joined up weight.

More structural

changes, but the weight continues.

Let's look at the new rail

partnerships. Moving a public

service to under the control of

private companies. This is not a

devolution to the rail authorities,

or devolution to the people. Its

devolution to the shareholders.

Further fragmentation and

privatisation of the railway, failed

operators now being handed the

tracks as well as the trains, and

nothing to address the

electrification upgrade. To acute

these costs, is this why the ticket

prices will be soaring by 32% since

2010 at the Christmas?

Two points,

they should remember how much fares

rose when they were in power. The

other point, they might like to

explain why it is that their friends

in the unions have in their training

manuals, a requirement for

negotiation for RPI increases in the

future? Why is that? Why don't they

just say to their union events to

change their methods of operation.

The government is providing local

highways and authorities England

outside London 296 million between

2016 and 2021. This includes an

extra 46 million that was announced

in the autumn budget last week. I am

sure local authorities across the

country will welcome their share of

funding and put it to good use. We

heard some very thoughtful remarks

about tire quality on both sides of

the house. I think road quality is

the flip side of that coin. A lot of

constituents my area suffer from

pothole marked roads. In our

Conservative manifesto this year we

committed to improving the quality

of roads and fill in potholes. We'll

my honourable friend tell my

constituents we remain committed to

that.

Potholes are a menace, a drain

on the economy and damaged

hard-working family cars. That's why

the funding provided to authorities

outside London for the pothole

managing fund is enough to fix 6

million potholes. And even better,

to stop them forming in the first

place. People deserve to see smooth

and safe roads as they look back in

the mirror.

In 2006, the annual maintenance

study estimated it could take nine

years to repair every single. It is

14 years. How long does the Minister

think it is acceptable for motorists

and cyclists to wait to see

necessary investment to repair

potholes?

It is always a mistake to

prepare your question before you

have the previous answer. If he had

heard, he would have asked a

different question. Notwithstanding

that, I do not mean to be unkind...

He is right. Potholes are a

nightmare. We have made that

absolutely clear. The money is in

place. Always more that we can do. I

will take the honourable gentleman's

question. We will do more.

Thank you

Mr Speaker. A180 suffers potholes,

the bigger problem is the concrete

surface. And I are to the Minister

to have discussions with high reason

England, phased programme to replace

the surface?

This is not the first

time that my right honourable friend

with his typical diligence has

raised the issue. He has raised it

with the Secretary of State. I am

inclined to visit this road, drive

on it, and see for myself exactly

what is happening. Having done so, I

will look again at all we can do to

improve that surface and others.

They deserve close attention. They

get mine.

Nine.

As my right

honourable friend told how she

study, almost 6 billion private

investment over the past decade, new

trains, upgrades, transforming the

passenger experience.

I thank my

honourable friend for that response.

Could he inform the house what

measures are being taken on Crewe

Derby line?

I share concerns. I

often have to travel bus back to

Blackpool. I am often struck, it is

usually two carriage. Not always fit

for demand. We have the East

Midlands consultation going on at

the moment. I am sure we will look

to see further improvement in this

line, as bids come forward.

I

particularly welcome the document

that keynote yesterday, in it the

point on regional rail partnerships,

driving satisfaction. This should be

the first stage an integrated

companies. Can he confirmed that

could be the final destination for

these partnerships?

As the Secretary

of State said yesterday, it is about

evolution rather than revolution. We

have been aware of getting track and

train together. Working in the

interest of passengers, the more

that occurs, the more benefits of

joint working. Developing across the

network.

I welcome the publication

yesterday of the invitation to

tender the south eastern franchise.

I hope we will see better services

for constituents. One part of the

ITT is that it will no longer have

first class to provide more space. I

have heard from constituents with

disabilities, first-class make sure

that they have a seat. What steps

are you going to take to make sure

that in future people with

disabilities are able to get a seat

on busy trains?

It is a valuable

point. I do not think Travelers

should have to purchase first-class

tickets to be seated suitably. All

companies have an obligation to

treat disabled customers in a fair

manner. I will reflect on how we can

ensure that in future franchises,

that aspect is looked at.

Thank you.

Highways England are responsible for

electronic messages, the country has

a very good safety record but

improvements can always be made.

Drivers can do their bit, regularly

ensuring eyes are tested.

Very happy

St Andrew's Day. Very grateful to

the Minister for that answer. Last

week was Road safety week. We had

vision express explaining the

importance of getting eyes tested.

1.5 million have not. The Scottish

Government had a pilot, last week,

making for safer conditions.

It is

something that practically we can

do. Getting the DVLA to make changes

to the letter to drivers, when they

renew their licence, remaining game

of the importance of good eyesight.

On the issue of signage, I risk you

have too much signage. Evidence

suggests that having consulted road

users, the more you put up, we do

need to be careful about just how

much we have on the roads.

11, the latest statistics published

for 17/18 show a slight decline in

rail journeys.

Since 2010, fares

have risen by 27%, twice the rate of

weights, the steepest are going to

be due in January. Passengers to

cleaning. More constituents priced

out of rail travel, when will the

government accept that franchising

and private profiteering is utterly

broken.

I am afraid members opposite

should not draw conclusions from one

quarter of statistics to underpin

ideological agendas. We are seeing

far more passengers using the

network than ever before. It has

been a success. The alternative

proposed means passengers are always

at the back of the queue. By any

future Labour government.

More

passengers are using the great

Western mainline than ever before.

We need more investment to ensure

journey are faster, if they continue

to be so will the Minister committed

to extending the mobile phone trial,

to include Devon and Cornwall?

Great

demand on journeys to the south

west, good job on that franchise at

the moment. The of the task force,

putting together all the work to

make sure we have a clearer idea of

what we can do. I will consider that

carefully. As you will have heard,

that answer yesterday, two trains

per hour between catering and

Nottingham. One for the rest of the

day. We want a minimum of one and

error, throughout the whole day, but

no formal decision has yet been

taken. I will listen carefully to

father representations.

Any

objective analysis, the superior

submission to the East Midlands

franchise consultation must be one

of the very best that the office has

received. Could I invite the real

Minister to read in even greater

detail submission because it

contains compelling case for

Kettering to be the optimum hub.

I

have already paid tribute to the

work of the association. Listening

to those who want to use the network

as a source of great wisdom. The

biggest upgrade since 1870, and I am

making sure that we are very keen to

maintain as many opportunities as

possible from Kettering. I will

review that submission in greater

detail.

13.

The British Road safety

statement published in December 2015

set out priorities for action,

including vulnerable groups staying

safe, action to crack down on drug

affected drivers and penalties for

using mobile phones.

The Kingsland

Diebold 's forum, highlighted

selfish pavement parking on blind

and vision impaired people. They

recently to me on a blindfolded

walk, bringing called the scale of

this problem. I would recommend the

Secretary of State does a similar

blindfolded walk, in the

constituency.

I went on one a few

weeks ago. I would recommend it to

the honourable member is. It gives

an entirely different insight into

the struggle that people have,

getting around the town centre when

people are part, obstacles in the

way. It gets an understanding of how

wonderful the dead dogs -- guide

dogs are. I certainly take the

remarks seriously. We will look

closely at what more can be done. We

can be absolutely certain that my

colleagues in the Department, we

champion the interests of people who

are visually impaired and use guide

dogs.

One of the biggest obstacles

for cycling, fields of safety. The

necessary resources in place, to

implement cycling and walking

strategy, can this be published?

As

the honourable gentleman implied, we

have such a strategy and he is

correct that cyclists need the same

sort of attention that I mentioned

in my previous answer. A range of

different obstacles encountered as

people go about business. The

government is strongly committed to

cycling. We need to look closely at

the hassles that cycling faces. That

is good to be included in the

strategy.

14.

I have interest in

this particular project, highways

England conducting a final review of

options for the missing link.

Ontrack to launch a public

consultation.

My right honourable

friend knows that the Southwest is a

small growth area. This is a

strategic scheme, linking the

Midlands and the Thames corridor. We

need to build this as soon as

possible.

It is not just about that.

It is a highly dangerous piece of

road. Tragically another accident

with the loss of life recently. It

is not just economic, it is about a

safer road network. For more those

reasons, I want to get on with this

project.

18.

I do apologise. I have

ongoing discussions with the

Scottish Government, and all

devolved administrations about the

optic of electric vehicles. I

recommend very strongly. It is

progressing through Parliament. Also

strong engagement on an official

level through the office for more

emission vehicles with foldable

administrations.

The Scottish

Government ins to establish one of

the most comprehensive programmes in

Europe, we welcome the announcement.

Can he can what the Secretary of

State said on Monday, 400 million

will be allocated on a localised

needs -based approach, not just

population?

It is a good point, it

was considered closely at the

committee. He will know that the

provisions of that, allow for the

development of more charge points,

supported by the way by the £300

million announcement in the autumn

of 200 million for infrastructure,

but if I say so, Mr Speaker, he is

correct that we need to be mindful

of the effect that rural areas. What

I do not want, a situation when

certain areas are covered with good

infrastructure and not elsewhere. I

said in the committee that we will

look at for the measures to ensure

that even spread of that

infrastructure.

More and poor people in East

Renfrewshire are looking to buy and

purchase electric vehicles, but they

are put off by the lack of charging

points. -- more and more people.

What steps will he take going

forward to make sure that is more

charging infrastructure across the

UK? Are a number of ways of doing

that. We have spoken so far and it's

it's in the bill

charge points could

be clustered around major arterial

routes. The good news is that I am

working closely with colleagues to

ensure local authorities make sure

there are on street charging points.

I am open to other suggestions about

how we might ensure these charge

points asked Brad across the

country. I invite suggestions from

members across the house as the bill

makes its way through Parliament. --

are spread across the country.

Mr Speaker, it's almost like having

too much of a good thing, but you

can never have too much. The driver

and vehicle standards agency agreed

proposals to reform the practical

car driving test in April. The

former DV SA has maintained dialogue

with public and the unions about

components of the driving test

through the development proposals

through 2015 and the present day.

What plans does the Minister have

two meet with workers, unions and

Stevie SA before the 4th of December

where more than 2000 staff take

strike action about concerns over

the new test, and what reassurances

can you give me that the safety

issues raised will be ironed out?

A

powerful idea communicates some

fixed rents to he who challenges it.

I hope the power of my idea will

have some resonance for the

honourable gentleman. The truth is

that these changes have been

recommended by those without trial.

4000 learner drivers and 860 driving

instructors took part in research

across locations across written. At

no point at any stage has anyone

said that these changes are not

beneficial. At least among those who

have been involved in that process.

I think we need to press on with

them. Clearly beneficial.

Topical

questions, Craig Tracey.

Topical

number one, Mr Speaker. I am sure we

haven't heard of too much of a good

thing. He will be knighted to know

that not only this week did the

house here extensively from him but

also 106 to five ministers from

around the world. In London this

week we have been hosting the

biannual meeting of the

International Maritime Organisation

and General Assembly. The specialist

organisation that is responsible for

measures to improve the safety and

security of international shipping

and prevent pollution from ships. We

post them here in London. I wanted

to thank everyone involved in

organising that event and extend a

very warm welcome on behalf of the

United Kingdom government to all of

the ministers and all ministers who

have attended that assembly this

week.

I'm sure all those ministers

from around the world feel both

informed and improved as a result of

their interaction with the right

honourable gentleman for South

Holland.

I warmly welcome last week

the's announcement of 8,000,004 road

safety funds for areas of

Warwickshire affected by HS2. Will

be Trinity Road over Wood Road

junction in my solicitor and see,

that has seen numerous mortalities

and accidents, would be an excellent

candidate for some of the funding

given a proposed solution is

unlikely to go ahead because of the

development of HS2.

I am very glad

my honourable friend was able to

visit that particular junction with

him last week. I am also pleased

that Warwickshire County Council has

been such a beneficiary of the

funding available. Whilst it will be

for them to decide what schemes to

support, I very much hope they will

focus on where it can make the

biggest difference to safety.

This

government is presiding over a

sustained fall in the number of bus

journeys undertaken. Just this week

Kent County Council outlined plans

that would see up to 70 bus routes

axed in a bid to save money. Will

the Minister accept that unless his

government holds the cuts to local

authorities, these passenger numbers

will continue to fall?

We wish to

see bus passenger numbers rise. I

believe the measures in the bus

passengers act passed to the house a

number of months ago will provide an

environment in which bus passenger

numbers can improve and we will see

more and better services around the

country.

What assurance canny

Secretary of State give to help taxi

drivers who buy the new electric

taxi before vehicle excise duty

comes into force?

The honourable

gentleman is right in these matters.

It requires a legal change that will

allow the DVLA to identify electric

taxes separately from cars and vans

privately for exemption. He will

want to know that I wrote to five

former PPS, now Treasury Minister.

That was on the 25th October. I will

meet with the Treasury Minister on

the 12th of December to discuss

exactly the matter he has raised.

Train services in Manchester and the

North are poor. Meanwhile prices

keep going up and up. One

constituent sent me a photograph

showing delays on all but one of 18

trains between eight and 9am from my

constituency. Appallingly, this

station does not have disabled

access. Could the Minister take

steps to improve the situation in my

constituency so constituents can get

to work?

We are always keen to work

with our Labour friends who

co-managed rail North. I recognise

the importance of step free access

in greater Manchester and we will

look particularly at this station

first to see what we can do.

May I

congratulate my right honourable

friend on his statement yesterday,

which will be broadly welcomed and

much admired his gumption in

sticking to his guns on this

important matter. Will he also agree

with me that the service to my

constituents continues to fall well

short of any satisfactory record at

all. Is he aware that this is often

due to the fact that train crew

don't turn up? Will he agree this is

a failure of leadership and

management, and will he tell the

company to smarten themselves up?

I

will happily do that. I think it's

always disappointing when there are

staffing issues. The other area of

challenge on the server network has

been the condition of the

infrastructure. In the coming months

we will take major steps and major

projects to start improving quality

of that infrastructure. Spending

£300 million we have already

committed with more to follow in the

next control period.

TfL transformed

the dilapidated Silverlink North

London line from two carriages twice

per hour to the renewed London

Overground five cars every ten

minutes. My constituents want to

know when delays at the decrepit

actin mainline and West Ealing

finally finish. First group seems to

have forgotten how to run small

stations.

Crossrail is a massive

investment in Transport for London.

It is not a TfL project, it is a

joint project between my department

and Transport for London. It's a

joint project designed to improve

the lot of passengers both inside

and outside London and it will make

a real difference to the south-east.

By 2029, just 12 years to on the

central forecast of the Office for

National Statistics is that the

national population hits 70 million,

up 5 million from today's level and

an increase of 8%. What is the

department estimate for vehicle

growth in that same 12 year period,

and given our superb roads minister

is enthusiastic about the design of

our road network, how will his

enthusiasm helped to meet that

challenge?

Three things to say

immediately. The record road

investment programme will help. The

development of technology will

change the use of cars. We talk

about autonomous vehicles in many

ways but one of the effects they may

have is to change ownership of cars

to encourage more sharing of cars.

In addition, we have to figure that

transport infrastructure in

connection with other developments.

I can't answer in just a few

moments, so I suggest we invite him

to the Department, sit down with

officials and have a serious

discussion about the important

matter he has raised.

In July, a

three-year-old boy experienced a

life-threatening allergic reaction

on a plane when fellow passengers

started eating nuts they had been

served. Thankfully he survived, but

I know from personal experience how

terrifying it is to go into

anaphylactic shock, and the last

place you would want that to happen

is 30,000 feet in the air when you

are ours from formal medical

attention. Will the Secretary of

State agreed to meet with me and a

group of campaigners to explore

solutions that enable the 2% of the

population who have a nut allergy to

fly with confidence.

I understand

why this is a serious issue and I am

delighted to extend an invitation

for her to come in to the Department

to make ministers and officials to

talk about an important matter.

Along with many other Londoners my

constituents are concerned that the

number of promises the mayor is

breaking on transport ever served.

What does the mayor need to do to

address Crossrail two so it doesn't

become another broken promise?

We

are now conducting the kind of

review we did into the financing of

the project that we did in Crossrail

one, the Montague report. I'm keen

to see the project progress. In

lockstep parallel with Northern

Powerhouse rail. These are both

important projects. I'm clear that

the London contribution can't be an

ideal you paid for by the

government. It has to be a robust

and absolutely reliable funding

package so the project can go ahead

in good shape.

Bradford and the

whole Yorkshire region has been

locked in a dispute with the

Department for Yorkshire devolution,

meaning we have to compete for

limited funding from the

transforming cities fund and not be

entitled to it because of DC LG's

stubbornness. Will the Minister

speak to colleagues in the DC LG to

help break the deadlock and unlock

the transport funding the region

desperately needs?

The first thing

is, I am well aware of the issue.

It's worth remembering we have just

allocated £175 million to Leeds that

will be spent on a variety of

projects around the city. I'm also

absolutely aware that funding needs

to flow to West Yorkshire and I will

personally make sure that as we

allocate the funding, west Yorkshire

is not out.

Will the Secretary of

State welcome the fourth season of

the formula E E series starting in

Hong Kong this Sunday, to be

broadcast on Channel five with races

taking place in 11 cities such as

Paris and New York. Will the

Secretary of State look at

attracting future races to the UK to

complement our rapidly increasing

technology in the electric vehicle

industry?

I think my honourable

friend is absolutely right. Motor

racing is a great success story for

this country. It's an important part

of our economy. People don't often

understand the importance that it

plays in an industry that is centred

around Northamptonshire and

Silverstone where many leading teams

are based. And where technology that

comes from small businesses and

supplies changes the automotive

world, not just in motor racing, but

across the bees. I'm delighted to

see the success of formula E and I

would like to see it in UK, that

element of technologies in the UK,

and I'm delighted to extend the

support to that motor racing

industry.

South West trains planned

to reduce the number of trains going

through Queenstown Road station in

my constituency from seven trains

per hour to just four. Given the

increased number of residents and

commuters and it already being one

of the busiest lines, Kammy

Secretary of State commit to looking

again at this ill thought out

policy?

And very grateful for the

Minister. We are having consultation

at the moment with Southwest trains,

listening carefully to what

passengers want. We take all

submissions very seriously, so we

will listen carefully to what

passengers say in this consultation

and respond in due course. But I

have heard her point.

Can I ask the

Secretary of State to keep in mind

the other Northern Powerhouse,

Aberdeen, and the economic

importance of the airport, including

servicing the oil and gas industry?

My honourable friend and I had a

productive visit to Aberdeen airport

recently. I absolutely understand

the importance of the airport to the

whole economy of the north-east of

Scotland, and to the United Kingdom.

Aberdeen is essential to one of our

key industries. I have been very

clear that as we expand Heathrow

Airport, we'll make sure capacity is

set aside for regional links to

airports in Scotland and elsewhere

so every part of the United Kingdom

benefits from the expansion of the

airport.

This TfL has demonstrated the

ability to run efficient services,

will he enter into negotiations with

Emir of London for suburban services

before my constituents injure more

privatisation?

The first thing to

remind them, the London Overground

is a franchise. The new south

eastern franchise, the document

published yesterday involved is far

greater additional benefits for

passengers than was extended, I have

extended the same offer forced in

the north, for the partnership and

designing

franchise my constituents are

extremely grateful for the funding,

key to delivering the economic

growth.

As also is the need to

improve junction 17 of the M6

nearby.

I absolutely understand what my

friend says. I should transport for

the North, and the need is Cheshire

grows, the town has expanded. The

need to make sure of, structure is

fit for purpose is, it is important.

If the Northern powerhouse is to be

anything more than a marketing

gimmick, such funding must be part

of an overall commitment to address

the imbalance in transport

funding we are actually doing things

across the North.

The Tyne-Wear

Mitchell, the improvements to the

A1, M6, A66, project is happening

all across the North. And the

Northern powerhouse of the future.

This is a government that delivers

better transport for the North of

England.

Following the announcement

by the Secretary of State that he

will explore opportunities to

restore capacity lost in the 1960s,

will my right honourable friend look

into the possibility of reopening

Aldridge station, looking at the

benefits that could bring?

Identify

that project worth considering. More

than happy to have proper

conversations on that matter.

Thank

you Mr Speaker. Yesterday I met with

Next Bike, who have a scheme in

Glasgow. Can the Minister tell me

that he has plans to regulate public

cycle hire schemes, so the public

can be assured of safety.

Hire

schemes are an important part of

extending provision, making cycling

more widely available. As she will

know, different schemes apply that

different localities. Always happy

to have discussions.

Residents and

businesses face real issues as a

result of HGV fly parking. Can the

Minister of bigger measures taken to

improve HGV parking facilities?

It

is something that is close to my

heart. Absolutely correct that the

appropriate parking is a menace. We

are trialling a scheme that kind, I

have to tell you that drivers are

not usually from the United Kingdom

and it is difficult for the local

authority to pursue them in the way

that you would expect. We will look

at that and go even farther. I am

determined to stop irresponsible

parking. It is a nuisance.

Does the

Secretary of State feel any guilt on

the fact that many of my

constituents thought during the

referendum people like him or

promising more money would be spent

on transport infrastructure, the

NHS, because we will save so much

money losing the European Union. 50

billion debt we have got to pay to

the European Union. Shocking

revelation. What will he do about

it?

We made the announcement

yesterday and we are spending more

money on transport.

Montrose port,

vital to the local economy, good

transport links are essential. Can

the Minister tell me what

communications he has had since his

visit to Montrose, opening a direct

link to the port?

I have exciting

news for the right honourable

friend, because I have initiated a

connectivity study. It is absolutely

correct as we invest in the port, we

look at

links, we have neither finished the

design of Crossrail, my focus is on

the projects under

way, we want better investment and

when we see