Topical Questions 2022-05-19
2022-05-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Residents in the MP's constituency complain about excessive car exhaust noise, and there are trials and pilot schemes for noise cameras announced but only in England and Wales.
I regularly hear from residents complaining about car exhaust noises. Despite recent announcements of trials for noise cameras in England and Wales, what engagement has my hon. Friend had with the Scottish Government to see what can be done in Scotland? Is there scope for expanding the pilot beyond just England and Wales?
Noise camera enforcement comes under policing, which is devolved in Scotland. We continue to have discussions with the Scottish Government and are keen to continue these discussions.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Expanding pilot schemes beyond England and Wales
Discussions
Keen
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Last year, the Chancellor slashed the road maintenance budget by £400 million, but these cuts are going even further. Pothole funding is set to be cut by 30% in real terms by the end of this Parliament.
The road maintenance budget has been cut by £400 million last year and will face an additional 30% reduction by the end of this Parliament. Is there proof that the Government are asleep at the wheel while road users continue to suffer on roads not fit for purpose?
Approximately £915 million a year has been committed for the next three years, consistent with funding levels for 2021-22. This helps local highways authorities manage their highway assets, including tackling potholes and road defects across local road networks.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific cuts to the budget
Consistent With Funding Levels
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) can help secure jobs without contributing to environmental damage. A contract for difference could provide certainty to the industry.
Many constituents want secure jobs that do not contribute to wrecking the planet through sustainable aviation fuels. Will there be a price stability mechanism like a contract for difference to give industry certainty?
We are considering the role that a price stability mechanism, such as a CfD, might have. We are building the evidence base to support that idea.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific action on SAF prices
Building The Evidence Base
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The National Grid's main east coast electricity cables cross the River Tyne, impacting commercial demand for higher offshore structures to facilitate renewable energy.
Would it be possible for me, my hon. Friend the Member for North Tyneside and my hon. Friend the Member for Jarrow (Kate Osborne) to have a meeting with the appropriate Minister to take the Prime Minister's urgings forward?
The Government continue to engage with the National Grid and the Port of Tyne authority to help find the right solution. Of course, I would be happy to arrange any suitable meeting for the right hon. Gentleman and his parliamentary colleagues.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific progress on electricity lines
Continue To Engage
Find The Right Solution
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP's bid to reopen Grove station was not taken forward last year, but the area is set to have a population that is 59% larger in 2027 than it was a decade earlier.
Wantage and Grove is set to have a population 59% larger in 2027 compared to ten years ago. Will my hon. Friend meet me so that we can discuss other avenues I might pursue to get the station reopened?
Of course, I would be happy to meet him to discuss what future options might be available.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
An MOT centre in Wombwell fears for its future due to plans for MOTs to be required only every two years. After a six-month extension, 90% of cars were not fit for use on public highways.
An MOT centre has told me that it is fearful for its future after hearing of plans for MOTs to be required only every two years. The proposals are bad for motorists and local businesses, so will the Government think again?
Any decision to substantively modify testing requirements will be subject to appropriate consultation and legislation. It is right to keep the system under review, but no decision has been made.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Immediate reconsideration of MOT proposals
Subject To Appropriate Consultation
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The rail services were congested even before the pandemic. GTR is operating a reduced timetable as people return to using railways.
Even before the pandemic, rail services to and from Carshalton, Carshalton Beeches, Hackbridge and Wallington stations were congested and infrequent, but Govia Thameslink Railway is still operating a reduced timetable as people return to the railways. What discussions has my hon. Friend had with GTR to encourage it to get back to pre-pandemic levels and, indeed, fund the Croydon area remodelling scheme to put more trains on?
As I am sure my hon. Friend will appreciate, the pandemic has really changed travel habits. Operators are using this opportunity to reassess services to ensure that they provide the rail timetables that meet new passenger travel patterns and are fit for the future, but also, importantly, carefully balance cost, capacity and performance. Our new timetables are demand-led. Where operators have modified their timetables we will keep them under review as appropriate.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide details on discussions with GTR or funding for the Croydon area remodelling scheme.
Using Hedging Language
Acknowledged Issue But Avoided Specifics
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Parents are concerned about getting kids to cycle to school due to challenges with cars idling outside schools.
On Saturday, along with over 100 others, I took part in Newcastle's Kidical mass cycle, and parents raised with me the challenges of getting kids to cycle to school and, related to that, the impact on air quality of cars idling outside schools. What are the Government doing to help children to learn to cycle, acquire cycles, and stop cars idling outside schools?
I think this is perhaps my favourite question of this session because we are improving and increasing the funding and support for Bikeability, which is a fantastic scheme rolled out right across the country enabling children—and adults, actually—to be equipped with the skills they need to ride on our roads and enjoy cycling.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address car idling at schools or provide specific actions beyond Bikeability funding.
Did Not Address All Elements Of The Question
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The integrated rail plan will see major upgrades on the TransPennine railway, which could cause significant disruption.
The integrated rail plan will see huge amounts of money invested into the TransPennine rail route, with major upgrades at not only Huddersfield railway station but Slaithwaite and Marsden in my constituency. How will the Minister ensure, though, that the disruption that will be caused during these much-needed works will be kept to a minimum and that local communities will be fully engaged with and consulted about the scale of the works needed?
My hon. Friend makes a powerful point. As much notice as possible will be provided of any disruption along the route of the TransPennine upgrade, and we will continue to work with the industry and delivery partners to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum. In advance of closures, plans are being developed to ensure that sufficient services are maintained, whether by diverted trains or bus replacement services. We are also relying on innovation to ensure that we have to close the track for less time than previously.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify how local communities will be engaged and consulted.
Did Not Address All Elements Of The Question
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
▸
Context
There are concerns that future Government policies may accept lower safety and environmental standards for cars.
The ministerial team will know that those of us who have been lifelong campaigners for road safety are extremely worried that in future our Government will accept lower standards of safety in car manufacture and design, and much else. Can the Minister assure me that we will not become the poor man of Europe in terms of safety and environmental standards?
Absolutely, yes. Safety will always be of paramount importance to us.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide any specifics or commitments regarding safety and environmental standards for cars.
Broad Statement Without Details
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Worcestershire County Council was unsuccessful in its bid for Bus Back Better funding.
Like local authorities in so many other parts of the country, Worcestershire County Council was unsuccessful in its bid for Bus Back Better funds. Can the Minister assure me that the Department will give feedback to Worcestershire County Council so that next time it can bid back better?
Absolutely, yes. My hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for local services. We are providing that feedback very shortly to ensure that local authorities, enhanced partnerships and bus operators can all work together and stand the greatest chance of success in future applications. That support will continue.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify when the feedback would be provided or what it would entail.
Acknowledged Issue But Avoided Specifics
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A ferry between Northern Ireland and Scotland lost power in the Irish Sea, leading to safety concerns.
Earlier on, the Minister replied to the right hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell) about safety in relation to P&O Ferries. The Minister will be aware of the occasion a month ago when a ferry between Northern Ireland and Scotland lost power in the Irish sea and was afloat for an hour and a half in one of the busiest places for boat and ship travel. Has he had any opportunity to talk to P&O Ferries to ensure that that dangerous situation, which could have led to an accident and loss of life, never happens again?
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to raise this. Clearly, safety is the Government's paramount concern, particularly in such circumstances. The Maritime Coastguard Agency is responsible for ensuring safety. I have had discussions with it about that, and we will make sure that any necessary steps are taken. If he would like a further briefing, I am happy to give him one.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify the measures discussed or actions planned by P&O Ferries.
Did Not Address All Elements Of The Question
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Rural constituencies often face challenges in making transport solutions commercially viable.
Will my hon. Friend detail how remote rural constituencies like mine will benefit from improvements to local transport services when our sparse population means that so many transport solutions are not commercially viable?
Rural communities are particularly close to my heart, because I live in one. It was a pleasure to visit my hon. Friend's constituency of North Devon to enjoy a ride along the Tarka trail, which was absolutely fantastic. We will continue to support walking and cycling, as I have set out. In terms of her specific question, I hope that she will look forward to our rural strategy. The Government provided £20 million, as we have heard, to the rural mobility fund, which is just one of the ways to improve services in rural areas.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on how her constituency will benefit from improvements or future actions.
Acknowledged Issue But Avoided Specifics
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Doncaster is bidding to be the headquarters of Great British Railways.
I am proud, on behalf of Rother Valley, to support Doncaster's bid to be the headquarters of Great British Railways. Doncaster is a great location that serves the whole of Rother Valley and the whole of South Yorkshire. Will the Minister look favourably on South Yorkshire's bid to be the home of Great British Railways?
We had an amazing 42 bids for the Great British Railways headquarters and all have been carefully considered. The shortlist will be out shortly and I wish them all success.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a commitment to support South Yorkshire's bid or details of criteria used in selection.
Discussed Process But Avoided Specifics
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The restoring your railway scheme was launched by the Prime Minister at the Fleetwood to Poulton line.
We have heard a lot today about the restoring your railway scheme, and I remind the House that it was launched by the Prime Minister at the Fleetwood to Poulton line. Can the Minister say where the scheme is at, what the next stage is and when that decision will be taken?
The next round of submissions for our restoring your railway programme—I was at the Dartmoor line just last week—is currently being considered, and we will be updating and announcing in due course.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or decision date not provided
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The zero-emission vehicle mandate requires a smooth glide path in its transition towards the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel vehicles.
The zero-emission vehicle mandate requires a smooth glide path in its transition towards the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel vehicles. Will my hon. Friend consider the impact that the smooth glide path has on smaller automotive manufacturers? Their commitment to achieve the 2030 ban is absolutely agreed, but the capacity to achieve the smooth glide path for those smaller manufacturers, such as Aston Martin, is much more difficult.
We continue to work with all manufacturers, including the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and I have been delighted with the enthusiasm and the determination to transition from a fossil-fuelled car manufacturing economy to zero-emission vehicles. I will continue to work with all manufacturers, and in particular Aston Martin.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific impact assessment not provided
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Doncaster's bid to become the home of the Great British Railways headquarters is supported by his hon. Friend and the wider community.
Does the Minister agree with my hon. Friend the Member for Rother Valley (Alexander Stafford) and the wider community of Doncaster that Doncaster is the rightful home of the new Great British Railways headquarters?
Once again I am being tempted, but I am not going to show any favouritism, except to say that everyone will just have to wait.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Question about Doncaster's suitability was deflected by not answering and suggesting all locations remain under consideration
Suggesting All Options Are Equally Favoured
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Threatened strike action by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers at Green Park and Euston on 3 June.
Will my hon. Friend join me in condemning the threatened strike action by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers at Green Park and Euston on 3 June, when many people from across the country will be wanting to celebrate the Queen's jubilee?
It is always regrettable when we hear about disruption, because it is the passengers who really suffer from the distress and disruption caused. I just flag once again that it is this Government who have earmarked more than £16 billion of funding for passenger services since the start of the pandemic.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Question about condemning strikes was deflected by referencing government funding
Referencing Government Funding
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Heritage railways are vital to the tourist sector, but they are struggling at the moment with coal supplies.
Can the Minister give an assurance that she will do all she can to ensure that these heritage railways have access to the necessary supplies?
There are some fantastic examples of heritage railways up and down the country. I appreciate the importance of adequate coal supplies, and we will obviously keep that under close review.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to ensure supply not given
Response accuracy