Topical Questions 2022-10-13

2022-10-13

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Liz Twist Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Context
The MP recently attended the International Civil Aviation Organisation assembly.
I am concerned about my departmental responsibilities. Following a recent visit to the ICAO assembly, what are the key issues facing aviation?
I recently addressed the 41st International Civil Aviation Organisation triennial assembly, where I set out the key challenges that aviation faces and urged action, particularly on Russia's violation of international law and on tackling climate change. It was a historic moment in two ways. First, Russia was voted off the ICAO governing council for the first time in its history. Secondly, the assembly agreed to a new climate goal of net zero international aviation emissions by 2050.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Liz Twist Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Context
The MP noted concerns about local bus routes in Blaydon.
My constituents are concerned about the availability and reliability of our local bus routes. We were granted funding under the bus service improvement plan programme, but will Transport North East receive that grant? If so, when?
The hon. Lady raises an important point. She will have heard earlier much discussion of the investments that we continue to make in buses. I am happy to ask the Minister who oversees the portfolio to discuss that with the hon. Lady in more detail.
Assessment & feedback
The specific grant and timeline were not addressed, only offered further discussion.
Will Discuss This With The Mp Later
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Mike Kane Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Context
The Government promised to take legal action against P&O Ferries five months ago.
It has been five months since the Government promised to take legal action against P&O Ferries. Given that their CEO admitted disregarding employment law, when will the Insolvency Service deliver its decision and strike him off as a director?
The hon. Member will know that the Government have taken a variety of actions and considered very carefully the position in relation to P&O. He talks about the Insolvency Service and, obviously, this is a matter for it.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify when decision would be delivered; shifted responsibility to Insolvency Service.
This Is A Matter For The Insolvency Service
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Context
The Government welcomed action against P&O Ferries.
Although we welcomed much of what the Government said in response to P&O's actions, we have yet to see matching action. Will the Secretary of State confirm during Maritime UK Week that her Department will continue working with maritime trade unions to deliver the nine-point plan and ensure workers' rights are protected?
I look forward to continuing to extend the work that my predecessor set running to build that relationship, improve the workplace environment for our seafarers and ensure that the terrible decisions taken by P&O cannot happen again.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm specific plans but promised continuity of previous efforts.
Promised Continuity Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Context
Page 53 of the decarbonising transport plan promised £2 billion for active travel.
I welcome the entire ministerial team to their positions. I understand that they will want time to consider matters, but do the two key commitments in page 53 of the decarbonising transport plan stand: £2 billion for active travel and a target of 50% of all urban journeys being conducted by active travel?
I have read the decarbonising transport plan and I am aware of the importance of active travel. The Government are committed to active travel, having already committed £4 billion through a variety of measures.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm specific commitments from page 53 but noted overall commitment to active travel.
Noted General Commitment Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Ruth Cadbury Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
Context
MPs representing English constituencies demand a ban on pavement parking.
Across this House, MPs are demanding a ban on pavement parking. We are still waiting for the outcome of three consultations nearly two years ago. When will the Department come forward with a plan to ban pavement parking in the rest of England?
This issue is important to me personally; we will be continuing to work through it at pace and, as soon as parliamentary time allows, make sure that we bring forward the legislation we need.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify timeline for presenting plan but promised ongoing work.
Promised Ongoing Work Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Context
The North Hykeham relief road was highlighted as a project for accelerated delivery.
The North Hykeham relief road, championed since 2004, was highlighted in the Chancellor's mini-Budget. However, the £110 million DFT funding is short by £80 million of the total cost. Is consideration being given to upgrading this funding by inflation?
My hon. Friend is a remarkable champion for Lincoln. He will forgive me if I quote the late Queen and say that I am in my salad days as a Minister, so perhaps we could meet directly and I could look at the scheme details at more length.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address funding upgrade but suggested meeting to discuss details.
Suggest Meeting For Further Discussion
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
Guide Dogs Scotland has concerns about the safety of people with sight loss regarding e-scooters.
Given that more than 1 million people are using e-scooters on roads across the UK, what plans are there to cap speed, weight and power of e-scooters, introduce mandatory dock parking and provide a sufficient public information campaign?
The hon. Member makes an important point. We have a number of pilots relating to e-scooters. A lot of people are using them, but we must ensure that they use them safely. When we bring in regulations to ensure that people can continue with that method of travel, we will of course consult widely and discuss how we can do that safely.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify specific plans but promised safe regulation through consultation.
Promised Safety Through Consultation
Response accuracy
Q9 Direct Answer
Context
Residents and passengers have experienced cancelled and disrupted Avanti West Coast train services over recent months despite good service at Macclesfield railway station.
Sadly, too many local residents and passengers have experienced cancelled and disrupted Avanti West Coast train services over recent months. Can my right hon Friend confirm that Avanti's day-to-day operational performance over the period of the new short-term contract will also be a material factor in determining who will be awarded the long-term National Rail contract to operate west coast services after April 2023? Local passengers deserve better.
I could not agree more with my hon Friend. The current service is not acceptable, as I have made clear directly to Avanti's most senior management, and significant improvements are needed. We will be monitoring Avanti's performance over the next six months, particularly the implementation of its recovery plan, before making a decision in April 2023.
Assessment & feedback
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Q10 Partial Answer
Context
The active travel fund aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, congestion, improve health and increase economic activity through extra footfall.
We do need that fourth round of the active travel fund, because it not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but reduces congestion, improves health and frequently increases economic activity through extra footfall. Will the Government commit to it?
My hon Friend is right. Active travel is very important and further information on the process will be published shortly.
Assessment & feedback
commitment to a fourth round of the fund
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Fleur Anderson Lab
Putney
Context
Heathrow airport has been pushing the boundaries of its night-time curfew, allowing flights earlier than stipulated.
It is not just the Prime Minister's economic mess that is keeping my Putney constituents up at night, but the deafening return of Heathrow early morning flights. Some are coming in at 4 or 4.30 in the morning, when they should not be before 6 o'clock. Flights should start at 6, but Heathrow keeps pushing the boundaries. Will the Secretary of State publish the data on exactly how many late-running flights are being granted special dispensation to break the night-time curfew, the reasons why and what action she will take if it transpires that Heathrow is breaking the restrictions on it?
I am interested to hear that, although I would note that now the economy is reviving Heathrow has gone back to being the busiest airport in Europe. But it must operate within the law and we will investigate any evidence that that is not the case.
Assessment & feedback
publish data on late-flights granted dispensation
Investigate If Breaking The Restrictions
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
Residents in parishes such as Ditchling and Ringmer want to introduce road safety measures like reducing speed limits or HGVs coming through villages, but have been told by the local highways authority that not enough fatalities occurred.
Parishes in my constituency such as Ditchling and Ringmer want to introduce road safety measures including reducing the speed limit and cutting the number of HGVs coming through the villages, but they have been told by the local highways authority that not enough fatalities have occurred. Will the Minister outline how we can change the policy so that we can make villages in my constituency safer?
My hon Friend is a fantastic champion for her rural communities and villages. We know that inappropriate speed is particularly significant, and speed limits are one tool to address that. We believe that local transport authorities are best placed to know their local areas, so the Department for Transport has rightly given the power to vary speed limits to them and issued guidance to support them in striking the balance between safety, the data, enforcement and other factors when making those decisions. I am happy to write to her with further details.
Assessment & feedback
how to change policy for road safety measures
Local Transport Authorities Are Best Placed
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Alex Sobel Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Context
The previous Prime Minister made a promise on Northern Powerhouse Rail, but did not include a new line. The current Prime Minister has also made promises.
Thank you, Mr Speaker: I was beginning to lose hope.
The previous Prime Minister made a promise on Northern Powerhouse Rail, but when the announcement came it did not include a new line. This Prime Minister has made a promise on Northern Powerhouse Rail, but will we see a new line between Leeds and Manchester via Bradford that is not an upgrade of the trans-Pennine line; when will the funding be delivered; and when will spades go in the ground? We need that line for the growth that the Government want to see.
I am delighted to note the support from the Opposition for the statement that the Prime Minister made last week, as I am sure she will be. We will certainly make sure that we set out in detail soon, having engaged with those in the region who have a clear interest in the detail of the plan and how we ensure that we deliver the many benefits that project will bring at the same time as minimising the impact of construction.
Assessment & feedback
details on Northern Powerhouse Rail, including timelines and funding delivery
Set Out In Detail Soon
Response accuracy
Q14 Direct Answer
Context
Creating a passing loop on the South Fylde line would double the number of trains coming into south Blackpool every hour, benefiting businesses such as Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Creating a passing loop on the South Fylde line would double the number of trains coming into south Blackpool every hour, assisting businesses such as Blackpool Pleasure Beach to create new jobs and investment. Will the new Minister meet me and my hon Friend the Member for Fylde (Mark Menzies) to discuss the opportunities that could deliver?
Assessment & feedback
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Q15 Direct Answer
Chi Onwurah Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Context
My constituents experienced atrocious service from local bus companies over the summer, with elderly and frail residents forced to wait for hours without knowing if a bus was coming.
Over the summer my constituents experienced atrocious service from local bus companies, with elderly and frail constituents forced to wait for hours at bus stops without knowing whether a bus was coming or not. Will the Minister with responsibility for buses, and my neighbour the Secretary of State, meet me so we can sort out at least an acceptable bus service for my constituents?
The Secretary of State would be happy to meet the hon Lady, and I am sure the buses Minister would be too.
Assessment & feedback
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Q16 Partial Answer
John Glen Con
Salisbury
Context
The Secretary of State has been asked to make a final, binding decision on the tunnel at Stonehenge on the A303 after waiting nearly eight years for a definitive statement.
I thank the Secretary of State for reaching out to me in the early days in her new role. I urge her to make a final, binding decision on the tunnel at Stonehenge on the A303. We have been waiting nearly eight years for a definitive statement and I would welcome a decision by the end of this month.
I thank my hon Friend for his question. I read a weighty document on the A303 recently, and perhaps we can meet to discuss it in more detail.
Assessment & feedback
final binding decision by end of month
Meet To Discuss
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Context
The excellent Winnington bridge and transport corridor round 2 bid is being discussed with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
I welcome the new Ministers to their places. What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities about the excellent Winnington bridge and transport corridor round 2 bid?
We are always keen to hear positive proposals to help to level up our communities, and we meet regularly with ministerial colleagues. I am particularly passionate about the role rail will play in levelling up, but roads and other aspects are important as we make sure that communities get the investment they deserve.
Assessment & feedback
details on recent discussions regarding the Winnington bridge bid
Meet Regularly With Ministerial Colleagues
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Helen Whately Con
Faversham and Mid Kent
Context
Motorways in the constituency experience severe disruption when there are major delays at the channel crossings, turning them into lorry parks.
Whenever there is a major delay at the channel crossings in Kent, motorways in my constituency are turned into lorry parks and Kent comes to a standstill. The fact is that Kent is carrying the can for a gap in our national infrastructure. May I urge my right hon. Friend to work with Kent MPs on this problem and be the Transport Secretary who solves it?
I am pleased to have had a brief discussion with my hon. Friend about the importance of Kent and queues in relation to Kent, Dover and the borders. I am very happy to meet the Kent MPs, and I am sure the Secretary of State will be fully engaged in this issue.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for a commitment to solve the problem was not addressed with concrete actions or timelines.
Response accuracy