Topical Questions 2023-03-02
2023-03-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the bus recovery grant extension past June and the promised payment of £163 million to Transport North East.
In Newcastle, we need reliable, affordable and accessible bus services, but all we get is lame excuses and short-term sticking plasters. Will the Secretary of State confirm that the bus recovery grant will be extended past June, and when will he make the much-promised, long overdue payment of £163 million to Transport North East so that it can improve services?
We have extended the bus recovery grant for a further quarter and will make further announcements in due course. We work closely with devolved Metro Mayors to ensure local areas benefit from central government funding.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm extension beyond June or specify timeline for £163 million payment.
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about steps the Government is taking to keep people, especially young people, safe on buses and trains.
Two weeks ago, I met members of Harrogate Youth Council, who are running an anti-harassment campaign focusing on public transport. Will my hon. Friend tell me what steps the Government are taking to keep people, in particular young people, safe on our buses and trains?
95% of buses have CCTV. New trains designed to reduce antisocial behaviour. I will take Harrogate Youth Council's ideas to the British Transport police chief constable next week.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify steps being taken, only mentioned existing measures and future discussions.
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed disappointment with the Government's actions.
I am feeling very, very let down. I like at least two of the Government Ministers—
An invitation from the roads Minister to meet Wales team has been sent, aiming to improve expectations and relations.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address disappointment with government's actions; changed subject entirely to an invitation.
Change Of Subject
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the importance of car infrastructure for communities and businesses.
While it is obviously right to develop other forms of transport, does the Secretary of State agree with me that in rural areas in particular the car is here to stay? Is it not therefore very important that we have adequate road infrastructure in place before any sizeable developments are begun?
60% journeys made by car, especially in rural areas. 49% budget for strategic road network is allocated for renewing existing networks; will discuss point with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not fully commit to ensuring adequate infrastructure before developments begin.
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the safety and replacement timeline for a demolished footbridge near Park Lane junction.
I am sure the Secretary of State will agree that the safety of hundreds of primary schoolchildren and parents who are unable to use the demolished footbridge at the Park Lane junction on the dangerous A5036, as a result of a lorry collision, is paramount. Will he therefore instruct National Highways to stop its bureaucratic stalling and replace it as a matter of urgency?
Will raise hon. Gentleman's point with National Highways and write to him.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not instruct or commit to an urgent replacement timeline.
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the tardiness of National Highways in making decisions on planning applications.
National Highways has a statutory responsibility in many planning applications, but it seems to be very tardy in coming to conclusions, particularly on the Brocks Pine surf reef application, off the A31, which has now been more than 18 months in indecision. What will be done to ensure that National Highways gets on with it and takes a decision, either yes or no?
National Highways has been working with the applicant and its transport consultants. The applicant has not yet provided information necessary for recommendation; will write to him when it does so.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not ensure timely decision-making; only explained delays.
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the provision of more transport infrastructure in Wales due to the Windsor framework.
In light of the Windsor framework, which will provide more favourable economic conditions for trading in Northern Ireland, will the Secretary of State consider providing more transport infrastructure in Wales to mitigate that and to help Wales take advantage of more trade into Northern Ireland and into the single market via Ireland or Northern Ireland?
Welcomes Windsor framework; working closely with Welsh Government on rail network enhancements; will make announcements in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to providing specific infrastructure; only mentioned current work and future plans.
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner raises concerns about road bridges across major rivers in England, noting that National Highways maintains 9,392 bridges. A freedom of information request revealed that these bridges are subject to additional road tax.
Many people in England pay an additional road tax to cross a river, be it the Humber, the Thames, the Tyne, the Mersey, the Trent, the Itchen or the Tamar. In 2020, a freedom of information request revealed that National Highways is responsible for maintaining 9,392 road bridges already. Will the Department investigate bringing all crossings on main routes under National Highways control?
The Department has no plans to introduce tolls anywhere else on the strategic road network, which is a long-standing Government policy. The provision, upkeep and operation of significant crossings is funded by toll incomes at local level, but as always, I would be happy to meet her to discuss that specific local issue.
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Assessment & feedback
The government's lack of plans to bring all major route crossings under National Highways control was not addressed in detail.
No Plans
Local Level Funding
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
The East West Rail project has delayed the announcement of its route, causing stress for residents in Bedford who are unable to sell their homes near the proposed railway line.
A number of my constituents are sick with stress, trapped in blighted homes with a pressing need to sell, but cannot do so as a result of the East West Rail preferred route announcement three years ago. Every day that the DFT dithers and delays announcing the route is another day of misery for my constituents. Will the Minister stop playing with people's lives, put a support package in place and get that handful of cases sorted out today?
I am happy to meet the hon. Member. I recently had a tour around both the options for East West Rail as it comes into Cambridge. I know that he has issues with residents with properties on the line of route, and I am happy to discuss those cases with him so that I can better advise him and his constituents on how they can get help.
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Assessment & feedback
Immediate resolution or support package was not mentioned.
Meet The Hon. Member
Discuss Cases
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The recent award of the South Western Railway contract to FirstGroup and MTR has raised questions about specific infrastructure projects like the accessible footbridge for Dorchester South station.
Could the rail Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Bexhill and Battle (Huw Merriman), tell me the benefits that my constituents will see with the recent award of the South Western Railway contract to FirstGroup and MTR? I would be particularly keen to understand whether the accessible footbridge for Dorchester South station is contained within it.
Dorchester South station is one of 300 applications for the Access For All tranche, which will be announced later this year. I assure him that South Western Railway passengers will gain benefits from the continuity of the service provider, including better real-time information to passengers and other changes that we have in mind to improve the passenger experience.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific inclusion of Dorchester South footbridge was not addressed.
300 Applications
Improve Passenger Experience
Response accuracy
Q11
Direct Answer
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Context
The government's increased restrictions on the movement of special types of general orders and abnormal loads are affecting businesses such as Cadzow Heavy Haulage in Blantyre.
Will the Secretary of State or one of his Ministers meet me to discuss the increased restrictions on the movement of special types of general orders and abnormal loads, which are having a hugely detrimental effect on companies such as Cadzow Heavy Haulage in Blantyre?
Yes.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The Melton bypass is a key infrastructure project that has received multiple upgrades from the government.
The Minister and I have spoken almost daily about the Melton bypass. Could he update me on his conversations with the Treasury about that? I also thank the Government for the five upgrades that they have delivered to the A1, where work has now started.
I am delighted that my hon. Friend is pleased with the work that we are doing. She has been a real champion of it and has never failed to bend my ear at every opportunity. I hope to make a further announcement on this matter shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific updates or concrete commitments regarding discussions were not provided.
Champion Of The Issue
Bending His Ear
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The Southeastern railway has implemented new timetables without adequate consultation, leading to delays and overcrowding.
I am worried that the Minister did not listen to concerns about the Southeastern timetable from both sides of the House. I travel from St Johns and every single day there are delays and overcrowding. The timetable changes were not consulted on. It is good that Ministers announced some changes, but why not reverse them all and do the right thing? The service was better before.
When season tickets are reduced by the figures that we have seen—32% compared with pre-covid levels—we have to make changes to add more resilience, to ensure that trains do not have to cross lines, to reduce cancellations and to improve punctuality. I am meeting the hon. Member and her rail service groups because I do listen and, as has been reflected today, I will make changes where they make sense.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete plan or commitment to reverse all changes was not given.
Reduce Cancellations
Improve Punctuality
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
TransPennine Express has been cancelling numerous morning services from Huddersfield, causing significant inconvenience for commuters.
My hard-pressed constituents are still suffering a totally unacceptable number of cancelled rail services by TransPennine Express every morning—just yesterday from Huddersfield, the 6.49, the 7.01, the 7.30, and the 7.46. How on earth are my constituents expected to get to work, school, college or university? When will TransPennine Express get a grip and when will we strip them of the franchise?
As the Secretary of State made clear, we should all try to fix the systemic problems that exist on the route. Let me give one example: at the moment, when a driver calls in sick—and there are sickness rates of 14%—another driver will cover it only if they are working under rest day working. However, the unions will not agree to rest day working, so the train gets cancelled.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete actions or timelines for addressing cancellations were not provided.
Systemic Problems
Unions Refusing
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
There are plans to significantly increase flights at London City Airport, affecting constituencies in east and south London.
Further to Question 4, the Minister will be aware of plans to significantly increase flights in and out of London City airport over my constituency and many others in east and south London. Can he assure the House that a decision on the matter will not be made while the Civil Aviation Authority's survey of noise pollution is still being conducted?
I obviously cannot comment on the situation at the moment, but the hon. Gentleman's point is well made. If he wishes to take the matter up with the aviation Minister, I am sure that she would welcome it.
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Assessment & feedback
Direct response regarding decision timing was not provided.
Cannot Comment
Take Up With Aviation Minister
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
Councils need to share better information to ensure safer taxi and private hire services across the country.
What is the Minister doing to ensure there is better information sharing among councils to deliver safer taxi and private hire services across the country?
My hon. Friend will know that his local council, Bolton, is one of the best at information sharing with respect to taxi driving licences across the country. I hope that councils such as Birmingham, Manchester, Sefton, Newcastle and Liverpool will get on board with the voluntary scheme before the mandatory element kicks in soon.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or timelines for improving information sharing were not given.
Local Council Examples
Voluntary Scheme
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
Southeastern train services in Erith and Thamesmead face issues including off-peak service disruptions and peak-time overcrowding.
When I met the Minister, he gave me assurances that Southeastern timetables would improve in Erith and Thamesmead. He mentioned this morning that all south-east London MPs had received an update. I am one of the MPs who has not. There is an impact on my constituency, so I would like to know why I have not received that update. My hon. Friend the Member for Eltham (Clive Efford) has kindly shown me the letter, which partially addresses some of the issues with off-peak services on the Bexley line, but does not address over-crowding across the board, most of which occurs during peak times. Will the Minister look into the matter urgently?
The email with the letter will have been sent to four hon. Members; the hon. Lady is one of them. If it has not yet got through, I suspect that that is because of a systems issue rather than anything else, but as soon as I leave the Chamber I will make sure that she gets it. I make the point again that I am a user of Southeastern and of London Bridge, and I am aware of the issues. We will continue to reflect, adapt and change where the case is made—I assure the hon. Lady of that.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline or concrete action for addressing overcrowding during peak times
Response accuracy
Q18
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP has been campaigning to upgrade M1 junctions 28 and 29, which face regular traffic congestion issues.
The roads Minister is aware of my campaign to upgrade junctions 28 and 29 of the M1. Will he commit to visiting both junctions and meeting local stakeholders?
I would be absolutely delighted: I regularly drive on that road and it almost feels as if I have been meeting them, given the slowness of the traffic, particularly at junction 28. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend and other hon. Members in the area to discuss the matter further.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
The University of Sheffield is developing plans with Boeing to manufacture ultra-lightweight materials for planes, which could be a significant development for the UK.
I do not know whether the Minister is aware of the plans being developed at the University of Sheffield's advanced manufacturing research centre, with Boeing, to research and potentially to manufacture ultra-lightweight materials for planes. If not, would he like to visit Sheffield to meet the relevant parties and better inform himself of a development that could be really exciting not just for Sheffield, but for the whole UK?
I am sure that the aviation Minister in the Lords will be interested. I certainly have an interest, as the former aviation Minister at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy who was responsible for the Aerospace Technology Institute. Let me assure the hon. Gentleman of my interest in the matter, and let us take it up further outside the House.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to visiting Sheffield himself but suggested involving aviation Minister in Lords
Response accuracy
Q20
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP has been campaigning for improved accessibility at Stroud station, especially focusing on the difficulties faced by people with disabilities and elderly individuals.
I wish Ministers had seen me trying to drag a baby, a toddler and a buggy up and down the steps at Stroud station as part of my campaign for accessibility measures. I am able-bodied, so it is even more difficult for people with disabilities and elderly people. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss the Access for All scheme so that I can go back to Great Western Railway and give an update?
I am grateful for that question from my constituency neighbour across the River Severn. We have spent £900 million on Access for All accessibility upgrades. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss her specific proposals for Stroud station.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State recently visited Wrightbus and announced an investment of more than £25 million for jobs there, which will benefit multiple regions.
May I place on the record my thanks and gratitude to the Department, and to the Secretary of State in particular, for his visit to Wrightbus and for this morning's announcement of more than £25 million of investment in jobs there? Those jobs will create opportunities for transport in Norfolk, Yorkshire, Portsmouth, Hampshire and York. What a fantastic announcement—I congratulate him on that wonderful news. We have the best product being made by the best workers for everyone across the United Kingdom.
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his comments. I hugely enjoyed my visit last month to Wrightbus, a very impressive company that has grown tremendously over the last few years and is both developing electric buses and working on hydrogen developments. It is fulfilling part of our wish to decarbonise the transport network, and it is also fantastic to see it demonstrating the importance of our Union in delivering on our net zero commitments.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific plans or commitments for continued support
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister recently visited the constituency to discuss transport infrastructure investments.
I thank the Minister for his recent visit to my constituency. Does he agree that the proposal to invest £100 million in a new bus and tram interchange for Bury town centre is an excellent example of the way in which transport investment can level up all parts of the country?
My hon. Friend has made a massive case for investment in his constituency, including Bury market and this new transport infrastructure, which is indeed a great example. I will be meeting officials from Transport for Greater Manchester again in the near future, and will keep my hon. Friend up to date on progress. The excellent work that he does in his constituency does not go unnoticed.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly confirm agreement with investment proposal but praised it
Response accuracy
Q23
Partial Answer
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Context
The Scottish Government has provided about 23 million free bus journeys to under-22s, benefiting the economy and environment.
Thanks to the Scottish Government's help with the cost of living crisis and their promotion of sustainable public transport, about 23 million free bus journeys have been made by people aged under 22 across Scotland. That has undoubtedly benefited not only those young people and their pockets, but the environment. What plans does the Minister have to replicate this successful Scottish Government policy in England?
All the bus service investment plans across the country contain individual plans tailored for the regions, and that includes the provision of youth services. The British Government are doing it on a tailored basis in accordance with local need. That is where I think those decisions should be taken.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific policy commitments or timelines but suggested localised decision-making
Response accuracy