Topical Questions 2021-01-28

2021-01-28

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Jeff Smith Lab
Manchester Withington
Context
The MP seeks clarity on the Secretary of State's departmental responsibilities and recent announcements.
I am concerned about my departmental responsibilities. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities, noting that £34 million has been announced to help reopen the Northumberland rail line between Newcastle upon Tyne, Blyth and Ashington.
On Saturday, I was delighted to announce £34 million to help to reopen the Northumberland rail line between Newcastle upon Tyne, Blyth and Ashington. Restoring many of the lines closed during the 1960s is an important part of this Government's mission to level up the north when it comes to transport. I can announce today that, since the creation of the northern powerhouse in 2014, this Conservative Government have spent more than £20 billion on the region's transport, delivering roads, rail, and cleaner and better transport, including 168 miles of rail electrification.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Jeff Smith Lab
Manchester Withington
Context
The Committee on Climate Change has reported that aviation accounted for 8% of UK emissions in 2019. The MP is pleased that the Government have finally indicated a support package for aviation this autumn.
I am concerned about aviation emission action. Will this be conditional on action to tackle emissions during the climate crisis?
Mr Speaker, do not think that I did not hear that plea for a rail station. I want to address the hon. Gentleman's point about aviation. Again, without sounding like a stuck record, I must refer him to my World Economic Forum discussion and announcements on this just yesterday. Of course, we have COP26 coming up at the end of this year, where the whole world will come together to try to tackle some of these aviation emission problems, and the UK is taking an absolute leading role through the Jet Zero Council. I welcome the hon. Gentleman's interest in this subject, and indeed extend an offer to work with him to progress it.
Assessment & feedback
The conditionality of emissions reduction measures within the aviation support package was not addressed directly.
Referencing Previous Announcements Offering To Work Together
Response accuracy
Q3 Direct Answer
Context
The MP welcomes the evidence-based enhancements to control covid at international borders. The aviation industry needs criteria for countries that will go on or come off the red list.
Would the Secretary of State agree with me that a blanket approach could see essential goods and services failing to come into this country from lower-risk areas? Can I ask him, in particular, to ensure that he publishes the criteria for countries on the red list?
I think my hon. Friend, the Chair of the Transport Committee, is absolutely right. This has required a proportionate and science-based approach to where people should go for quarantine in hotels, including a red list of countries. I can tell my hon. Friend and the House that that list is available on gov.UK—it contains 30 countries. South America, South Africa and Portugal are primarily the areas and countries involved. I think it is very important that we do make this science-based, and this adds to the pre-departure testing and all the other measures we have put in place.
Assessment & feedback
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Q4 Partial Answer
Jim McMahon Lab Co-op
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Context
500 covid cases have been recorded at the DVLA offices in Swansea. There are allegations that employees were coerced into turning off their track and trace apps or given warnings for taking time off sick.
Will the Transport Secretary explain why he ignored warnings about the issue, and why he essentially allowed a Government office to become a covid-19 superspreader? Will he confirm whether the chief executive of the DVLA still enjoys his full support?
I would like to clear up this confusion, because I do not think that a mis-statement should stand. I will quote from the hon. Gentleman on 3 July: “Labour, like families and businesses up and down the country, are keen for the Government's quarantine measures to be lessened,”. That was the precise quote. On the DVLA, I share the hon. Gentleman's concern about the stories we saw in the newspapers this weekend, and I have investigated fully. Only one-third of the staff are currently working at DVLA. He might ask why any staff are working there, and the simple answer is that there are paper-based forms and submissions that are not being made online, and without them key workers and others would not be getting their licences. A number of important steps have been taken, including work with Public Health Wales and setting up a new office for people to work in.
Assessment & feedback
The direct question about ignoring warnings and support for the chief executive was avoided.
Quoting Previous Statements Providing Context
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Jim McMahon Lab Co-op
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Context
A coroner concluded that the lack of a hard shoulder on the M1 in South Yorkshire contributed to two deaths, making nearly 40 lives lost as a result of smart motorways.
Will the Secretary of State commit to reinstating the hard shoulder on smart motorways immediately?
It is tragic that anybody ever dies on our roads, and it is worth recalling that motorways in general are safer than most roads overall. Smart motorways were, and are, an issue that sparked a great deal of interest from me, and as the hon. Gentleman may recall, before he was in post last year I set up a review, a stocktake, which recommended 18 different measures, including spending more than £500 million to put in a whole series of measures to ensure that smart motorways are not just as safe, but safer than conventional motorways. That stocktake is now one year through, and I will soon return to the House to report on its progress.
Assessment & feedback
The direct commitment regarding reinstating hard shoulders was avoided.
Discussing Overall Road Safety Referencing Ongoing Review
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Context
Hauliers face difficulties due to border disruptions affecting Scottish industries like seafood and fresh food.
On the day that the Prime Minister makes a cross-border campaign trip, which is against the law in Scotland, will the Secretary of State take steps to reduce border disruptions for important Scottish industries such as seafood and ensure hauliers can take more return loads?
Through the Brexit operations committee, there were over 180 meetings ensuring no queues at lorry routes. Some issues with paperwork impacted Scottish fish, but additional money and assistance will resolve problems as quickly as possible.
Assessment & feedback
No specific steps to reduce border disruptions for hauliers or increase return loads were mentioned.
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Context
Proposed £3.50 charge for driving into the neighbouring London Borough of Bexley may have a disproportionate impact on places like Dartford that border London.
What discussions has my hon. Friend had with the Mayor of London about his proposals to charge constituents in Kent £3.50 to drive into the London Borough of Bexley and does he agree it would have a catastrophic impact?
There are conversations going on between Transport for London, the Mayor and the Department regarding TfL's massive debt and financing packages worth over £3 billion agreed by the UK Government to ensure public transport services.
Assessment & feedback
The proposed charge was not addressed; instead, focus was on funding issues with Transport for London.
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Debbie Abrahams Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Context
Greenfield station in Oldham East and Saddleworth is inaccessible to people with mobility impairments or young children in buggies.
If the Government are committed to levelling up, when will the Transport Secretary ensure that disabled constituents get a fully accessible Greenfield station?
75% of passenger journeys go through step-free stations, but many old stations need major improvements. The trans-Pennine route upgrade is expected to bring improvements along that route and the Government are committed to making those impacted by TRU more accessible.
Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or plan for Greenfield station was provided.
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Alan Mak Con
Havant
Context
Flexible season tickets would help commuters save money and reflect modern working practices.
What work is my hon. Friend doing with South Western Railway and Southern to make flexible season tickets a reality in the area?
We are actively working with train operators like South Western Railway and Southern to develop a solution that offers better value and convenience for commuting flexibly in the future, details will be provided in due course.
Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or action plan was provided.
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Gill Furniss Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Context
Some taxi drivers have been excluded from the self-employment income support scheme during the pandemic.
Will the Minister commit to providing financial assistance necessary to ensure that all taxi drivers can keep their businesses going?
Several measures are available, including the self-employment income support scheme providing up to £21,570 over three rounds. The Minister will speak with Gill Furniss about those who have fallen through the gap.
Assessment & feedback
No specific financial assistance commitment was made for excluded taxi drivers.
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
The coach sector brings thousands of people into Blackpool every year, but it is difficult for local businesses to take advantage without ongoing viability.
What assistance is my hon. Friend able to provide to the coach sector going forward?
Coach companies have access to support measures such as job retention scheme and bounce back loans, locally administered funding. Government will explore opportunities when it is safe for coaches.
Assessment & feedback
No specific assistance was committed beyond existing measures and future exploration.
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Paula Barker Lab
Liverpool Wavertree
Context
The Transport Committee was informed that DVLA work is being slowed down despite regular meetings with Ministers to set priorities. There are concerns about non-essential activities continuing.
Does the Minister believe that processing provisional licences and personalised number plates should be priorities for DVLA during this lockdown? Does he agree with PCS Union that only essential work should happen there?
I do agree with the hon. Lady. Only essential work should take place at DVLA, and I will check reports mentioned. Essential work for key workers continues, including checking databases for police. I appeal to use online facilities wherever possible. UK Government have provided 2,000 lateral flow tests for every single DVLA worker.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the specific reports or whether activities like processing licences and number plates are priorities during lockdown.
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Harriett Baldwin Con
West Worcestershire
Context
The Government's support for active travel is welcomed by cyclists, walkers and horse riders. There is a proposal to create new greenways like the one from Worcester to Leominster.
Is the Secretary of State speaking to his counterpart in DEFRA to find ways farmers could be incentivised through their agricultural management plans to contribute to creating new greenways?
Government committed £2 billion for cycling and walking. Conversations are happening across Government to support such infrastructure in various areas, including disused railway lines. I have seen benefits of Brampton Valley Way in my constituency.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address if conversations were ongoing with DEFRA specifically or how farmers could be incentivised through their plans.
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Peter Dowd Lab
Bootle
Context
There is a proposal to tear up Rimrose Valley Park, the only green lung in Peter Dowd's constituency, to build a new road. This contradicts the Prime Minister's 10-point decarbonisation plan.
Before signing off on £300 million cheque for building a major road through Rimrose Valley Park, will he agree to meet me, my hon. Friend, council colleagues and worried friends of Rimrose Valley Park to discuss fears about environmental damage, leisure opportunities and health & safety?
I campaigned politically in Bootle. I represent a wonderful part of the world and Peter Dowd represents it well. I will sort out a meeting with the appropriate Minister on his behalf.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not commit to holding a meeting before signing off on funding as requested, but acknowledged representing Bootle well.
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Greg Smith Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Context
The Transport Committee heard evidence of ongoing problems faced by communities from HS2 Ltd. Suggestions were made for a new independent role with real power.
What progress has been made on the excellent suggestions made at the Select Committee, particularly for a new independent role with real teeth to hold HS2 Ltd accountable?
HS2 Ltd is meeting parish councils on 1 March. The HS2 Minister looks forward to ongoing discussions regarding ideas raised in the Select Committee.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address if progress was made on creating an independent role with significant authority as requested, but mentioned upcoming meetings and discussions.
Response accuracy