Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Services on the west of England line out of London terminated at Axminster due to a land slip near Honiton, and the same line has been closed for nine days this month. Passengers at Feniton are unable to travel to Exeter or London.
I am concerned about delays and cancellations for passengers in Honiton. Will the Minister ease these issues by dualling the track from Chard Junction to Axminster and adding a passing loop?
With £36 billion-worth of transport projects in Network North, I am happy to look at the project referred to. The chief executive of Network Rail is aware of problems on western and Wales routes coming out of Paddington and is taking action.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address the specific ask about dualling the track and adding a passing loop.
Changing Subject To Network North Projects
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Many families in Pembrokeshire have sons and daughters working away or studying all over the country who want to get home for Christmas. Rail services into Wales are poor, with five-carriage trains instead of 10-carriage ones.
Will Great Western Railway stop putting on five-carriage trains when they should be running 10 carriages; have a full roster of drivers available in the days ahead; and not cut short services in places like Swansea and Carmarthen, leaving constituents stranded late at night?
We delivered on the commitment to drivers requesting additional payments for driving trains on Sundays. A modern railway requires ASLEF's co-operation for seven-day-week working.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address the specific ask about assurances from Great Western Railway regarding train lengths, driver availability, and service timings.
Changing Subject To Sunday Payments
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Northern Transport Acceleration Council is responsible for improving transport infrastructure in the North of England.
What role does the Northern Transport Acceleration Council have in Network North?
I will write to the hon. Member with that detail rather than attempt to make it up at Christmas time.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific information about the role of the council in Network North, instead promising a written response.
Promising A Letter
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Northern Trains provided a Saturdays-only service between Sheffield and Cleethorpes via Brigg. The service has now changed to one train a day, five days a week.
Could my hon. Friend look into this matter and contact me after speaking with Northern Trains?
Yes, I will do so. We have discussed that service before and are looking at a timetable alteration for the future.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific commitments or timelines regarding the investigation of rail services changes.
Promising To Look Into It
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The Transport Committee heard evidence that journey times to and from Glasgow could increase by up to 24 minutes due to the cancellation of HS2 phase 2.
Does the Minister think that passengers in Scotland will see this as a Union connectivity dividend?
No, I do not agree. Trains can tilt at certain speeds on the west coast main line without requiring a tilting train. HS2 trains will also have faster acceleration.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the quality of rail services.
What steps are being taken to improve rail services?
The Government are committed to reforming the railways, creating Great British Railways to bring together infrastructure, operations and oversight of whole-industry finance. In the interim, the Department continues to hold the rail industry accountable for punctual and reliable services.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific steps or concrete actions being taken.
General Commitment
Response accuracy