Topical Questions 2024-05-16
2024-05-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Transport department has been active in various areas since the last questions.
Since you mentioned your department's activities, can I ask about Tewkesbury? It is one of the fastest growing areas. We need to expand the A46 and junction 9 of the M5, rather than reduce capacity or downgrade it. If any agency proposes plans to downgrade these roads, will you reject them?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend and Gloucestershire neighbour for raising this issue. His constituency is one of the fastest growing, and he is a doughty champion for his constituents. Any agency thinking of downgrading any part of his road network would not dare to do so, fearing the consequences.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm rejection of plans to downgrade roads directly
Acknowledged Constituency'S Importance
Implication Without Explicit Commitment
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Since the Secretary of State came into office, car insurance costs have increased by 80%. This is a major concern for drivers.
Given that I alerted him earlier to my concerns about rising car insurance costs, which have risen by 80% since he took office, can you explain how ending the war on motorists relates to this issue? What specific actions has he taken to address these costs?
I am grateful for her question and have read her letter carefully. The Treasury is responsible for the insurance industry, but we are committed to addressing this issue. Recently, a roundtable with Treasury Ministers and industry representatives was held to discuss these issues which are also prevalent in Europe.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions taken by his department
Shifted Responsibility To Treasury
Acknowledged Issue But No Concrete Action
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The previous response was insufficient, and car insurance premiums have risen by £219 in two years.
Given that the Secretary of State had advance notice of my question, his answer showed how out of touch he is. Car insurance is a legal requirement and unaffordable for millions. The average premium has increased by £219 in two years. Instead of speculating about conspiracy theories, why doesn't he take action, demand it from regulators, or call in the Competition and Markets Authority?
The hon. Lady called for action; my roads Minister has been meeting with industry representatives and Treasury Ministers, who are responsible for the regulator. We have already done this. Regarding her letter proposing to outlaw pricing according to risk, she hasn't denied it, so people across the country will face higher costs reflecting London's high crime rates.
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Assessment & feedback
Shifted focus from action to denying his proposals
Deflection
Acknowledged Meetings But No Concrete Actions
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Brandon station is a listed building out of use for years. Greater Anglia is trying to find solutions.
Will the Rail Minister join me in campaigning to save Brandon station, which is a beautiful listed building that has been unused for years? Will he support my efforts and attend a public meeting on 14 June to advance this cause?
I will do everything I can. The building is beautiful, must be saved, and my hon. Friend's work is applauded. At a conference for rail leaders, we discussed bringing these buildings back to life for communities. I have met the team and will help him.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Four months ago, Avanti staff were caught laughing at the Government's poor performance payments. This indicates a lack of respect.
It is now exactly four months since the Avanti management mocked the Government during an incident that was not isolated. They view performance payments as free money and a joke. When will you end their contract, given this mocking attitude?
The Secretary of State and I made it clear that the behaviour was unacceptable after the incident. ASLEF withdrew overtime agreements, causing difficulties but they were reinstated. In May, there were almost 0% cancellations from Avanti incidents.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm contract termination or action against management
Acknowledged Incident And Current Status
Implication Of Improving Performance
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
Residents are concerned about local roads due to potholes, congestion from utility works, and insufficient infrastructure for new housing.
The condition of Aylesbury's local roads is the top concern raised by residents. Will my hon. Friend assure them that under this Conservative Government and their excellent council, road conditions will improve?
I met the council leader Martin Tett who is doing a fantastic job. We are investing £8.3 billion in road resurfacing and conducting street works consultations to crack down on utility organisations, ensuring they work faster and better.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The Conservative Government promised to fix Hammersmith Bridge in their 2019 manifesto. The bridge has been closed for several months.
Every day that Hammersmith bridge remains closed is a reminder that this Government cannot be trusted to fix even the most basic problems. Do the Conservative Government have any intention of keeping the promise they made in 2019 and fixing Hammersmith bridge?
The bridge is owned by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, which is not a Conservative borough. The Government have put money into stabilisation work despite not being the owner. We will do everything we can to work with the owners of the bridge.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment on repair timeline or funding amount
Correcting Ownership Issue
Response accuracy
Q8
Direct Answer
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Context
Junction 10A on the A14 is crucial for Kettering's housing expansion. North Northamptonshire Council will consider a relevant planning application next week.
Junction 10A on the A14 is a crucial piece of future roads infrastructure to support Kettering's housing expansion. Should North Northamptonshire Council approve the relevant planning application this coming Monday, will my hon. Friend the roads Minister reconfirm his commitment to give the proper direction this project needs to proceed at pace, to visit the site with me and to arrange for me to meet with National Highways to ensure progress?
Yes, yes and yes.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Uber and similar companies are operating unlicensed taxis in Blackpool, posing a risk to public safety and taking business from licensed taxi drivers.
Blackpool is experiencing the scourge of unlicensed taxis in our treasured seaside resort. Uber and similar companies, which have no operating licence in Blackpool, are allowing passengers to use their unlicensed taxis uninsured, creating a real public safety risk. These unlicensed taxis are parking in local ranks illegally, taking fares from our hard-working, rule-abiding Blackpool taxi drivers. What is the Minister doing to tackle these unlicensed drivers, and will he meet me to discuss this issue in my constituency?
May I first welcome the hon. Gentleman to his place? He is a worthy winner and I am delighted to see him in the House. The Government have published updated taxi and private hire vehicle best practice guidance for licensing authorities in England. A meeting will be arranged if required.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to meet
Welcoming Mp
Referring To Existing Guidelines
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
Car racing is a significant problem on specific stretches of road in Horsham, posing real risks to road safety.
In Horsham we have a significant problem with car racing on specific stretches of road. Does my right hon. Friend agree that there is a role for speed cameras in deterring those activities and the real risks they represent?
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for raising the important matter of road safety. He is right that there is a role for speed cameras. Decisions for enforcing speed limits are for the police and local agencies. I know he has raised the issue with them.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to use speed cameras
Reiterating Responsibility
Response accuracy
Q11
Direct Answer
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Context
Haughley and Ely North Junctions were promised funding but progress has been slow.
I was pleased to have been told late last year that Haughley and Ely north junctions would be funded, but I have since become frustrated by the slow progress. Will the Secretary of State promise me that we will get on with these projects, which are crucial to Ipswich, Suffolk and East Anglia in general?
I can give that assurance to my hon. Friend. In October, the Prime Minister set out that we would deliver the rail junction at Ely and Haughley. It is a project that the Department is keen on, as it is good for freight and our freight growth target.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
Stagecoach South Western Trains, the predecessor to South Western Railway, was ordered to pay £25 million in compensation to 1.4 million passengers who were overcharged between 2015 and 2017.
The Secretary of State will be aware that the courts yesterday awarded £25 million of compensation to 1.4 million passengers who were overcharged for rail fares between 2015 and 2017 by Stagecoach South Western Trains, the predecessor franchise to South Western Railway. Will he ensure that affected passengers are not left out of pocket, and get automatic redress, rather than having to make an historical claim?
I have been meeting the operators to discuss the matter. I am happy to write to her setting out the exact conclusion of those conversations.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to automatic redress
Promising To Write
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
Upgrades to Pokesdown station have run into technical and financial problems.
I thank the Secretary of State and the Rail Minister for their support for upgrades to Pokesdown station in my constituency, not least the improvements to the lifts, but the project has run into a few technical and financial problems; will the Secretary of State or the Minister update the House on it?
I promised my right hon. Friend from this Dispatch Box that the project would be delivered, and I continue to give him that assurance.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific progress update
Reiterating Commitment
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
Train companies are using unreliable data from freelance mystery shoppers to report KPIs on the experience of disabled passengers.
How reliable are the key performance indicators that the train operators are quoting, which the Rail Minister mentioned earlier? The Disability News Service reports that train companies are sending unreliable statistics from freelance mystery shoppers who pretend to be disabled and give overly positive feedback about the experience of disabled passengers. Does he share my concern about that, and what can he do about it?
Data from mystery shoppers cannot be used unless those individuals have the disabilities they claim to. I will meet him and take him through the steps that are taken into account.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific action on unreliable data
Referring To Existing Criteria
Response accuracy
Q15
Direct Answer
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Context
The reopening of Aldridge train station is a £30 million project with 40 car parking spaces, supported by the Government and West Midlands Combined Authority. It is scheduled to be completed in 2027.
I wish to place on record my thanks to the Minister's Department, the Government, former Mayor Andy Street and the West Midlands Combined Authority for their support in securing funding for the project through the city region sustainable transport settlement. Will my hon. Friend help me to continue to nudge Network Rail and others to progress this to completion in 2027?
Yes, I will meet the new Mayor to ensure that he delivers the project for 2027, as promised by Andy Street.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
Road fatalities caused by motor vehicles remain high, with around five deaths per day. The Government has not published a road safety strategic framework.
More people are killed by cows and lightning than by dangerous cyclists, whereas around five people a day are killed on our roads by motor vehicles—a level that has flatlined under this Government. When will the Transport Secretary publish the long-overdue strategic framework for road safety?
The Secretary of State took a decision on road safety yesterday, and I addressed the issue in a Westminster Hall debate recently. I will write to the hon. Member with more detail.
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Assessment & feedback
specific publication date not given
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
The Labour Mayor of South Yorkshire has received significant government funding but seems to be prioritising spending in Sheffield over Doncaster.
Sadly, it appears that the Labour Mayor of South Yorkshire chooses to spend this money on Sheffield supertrams and Sheffield's transport infrastructure. Will the Minister send a clear message to him that he should spend this money not only wisely, but across the combined authority, not just in Sheffield?
It is obviously up to mayors to decide how to spend the money, but I would expect them to spend it fairly across the entire region. Voters in his constituency and across the combined authority area will make the right decision.
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Assessment & feedback
shifted responsibility to voters
Shifts Responsibility
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
New evidence shows that Ofgem's targeted charging review has led to significant increases in public EV charger standing charge rates, affecting consumers negatively.
In one site in northern Scotland, the cost of public EV chargers increased from £315 to £809 per day. What will the Minister do to regulate the cost of electric vehicle charging nationally?
I met with Ofgem's chief executive earlier this week to discuss standing charges for charge point operators, which is one of the things that Ofgem is looking at.
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Assessment & feedback
no concrete action announced
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q19
Direct Answer
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Context
The Minister is working to improve the supply of rolling stock orders, which could benefit companies such as Hitachi.
How is the Minister working to improve the supply of rolling stock orders, to give customers a better experience, and importantly, to give companies such as Hitachi orders to bid for?
Yesterday an invitation to negotiate was sent out by Southeastern to five train manufacturers, including Hitachi. We have plans for 2,000 rolling stock orders worth a total of £3.6 billion.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Context
Road safety organisations and driving instructors are concerned that young drivers lack experience with night driving.
Does the Minister intend to ensure that night driving becomes part of the test?
The test has become more difficult and onerous. We look at all aspects of post-test passing on an ongoing basis, but I will take the matter up with him personally.
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Assessment & feedback
no commitment to include night driving in test
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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Context
Arriva withdrew bus services, creating a crisis in Buckinghamshire. Companies receiving taxpayer subsidy have a moral duty to maintain services or return funds.
Does the Minister agree that companies that have been all too happy to take a taxpayer subsidy have a moral duty to maintain those services or give the money back?
We certainly expect those companies to engage with local authorities to ensure alternative service provision.
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Assessment & feedback
no agreement on moral duty stated
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
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Context
Other countries are getting ahead in SAF production, while the UK is consulting on a revenue certainty mechanism.
When will the Government get the mechanism in place, and will they meet their unambitious target of five SAF plants by 2025?
The SAF mandate was published on 25 April, requiring 10% SAF across aviation by 2030. An eight-week consultation on the revenue certainty mechanism has been announced.
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Assessment & feedback
no concrete timeline given for mechanism establishment
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q23
Direct Answer
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Context
The Moor Farm roundabout in Cramlington is a dangerous area, with residents avoiding it. Recent efforts include cleaning and marking the roundabout.
Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss a more permanent solution, and the progress that I have made with Northumberland County Council and National Highways?
I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend, and to ensure that the good work by Northumberland County Council continues.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy