Topical Questions 2021-12-16
2021-12-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The A64 has been promised multiple times but never delivered, despite being crucial for reducing travel time between York, Malton, Pickering, Scarborough, and Filey.
The dualling of the A64 was first mooted in The Yorkshire Post in 1905, since when it has been promised and cancelled several times, despite being much needed. Its delivery would massively reduce the journey time between York, Malton, Pickering, Scarborough and Filey. Will my right hon. Friend update the House on plans to dual the A64?
My hon. Friend has been a long-term advocate of dualling the A64 north-east of York. I can confirm that it will be one of my Department's options for consideration in the enhancements programme under the road investment strategy from 2025.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline or commitment; said A64 would be considered but no guarantees given
Acknowledged Importance And Stated It Would Be Considered
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
In Dewsbury, since the Conservative government took power, the cost of commuting to Leeds has risen more than three times faster than wages. Rail fare hikes are expected next year.
Ahead of a tough Christmas, people across this country are paying the price of Tory inflation. In Dewsbury, for example, since the Conservative party came to power, the price of the commute into Leeds has risen more than three times faster than pay. Does the Secretary of State think that that is reasonable? If he does not—he failed to answer this point earlier—will he rule out the brutal 3.8% hike in rail fares rumoured for millions of passengers next year?
I am pleased that the hon. Lady mentions Dewsbury, because it gives me the opportunity to mention that it benefits much more from the integrated rail plan than the original High Speed 2 plan. She is right about inflation, but it is a global post-pandemic issue, rather than specific to this country. That is why my right hon. Friend the Chancellor announced a series of measures, including a big uplift in the living wage of 6.6%, which outclasses even inflation.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address question on ruling out fare hikes; focused on global context and general measures
Redirected To Wider Economic Context
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Competition and Markets Authority has demanded action on the PCR market, given that many tests are not available at advertised prices.
Rail passengers across the country will have heard that reply, and will know that the Secretary of State will not rule out the massive hike next year. It is not just rail fares that this Government are refusing to tackle. They have been told by the Competition and Markets Authority to tackle the scandalous PCR market, given that the Secretary of State requires hundreds of thousands of people travelling home this Christmas to take a test. Ministers claimed that many of those tests are available at £20, but the truth is that just 0.4% of those advertised on the gov.uk website are available at that price. Why has he refused to take the action that regulators have demanded, clean up this racket, and help families with the huge cost of travel this Christmas?
I agree that it is very important that private sector providers stick to the prices that they are advertising; like the hon. Lady, I have checked the site and have been disappointed when that has not happened. The site is operated by the Department of Health and Social Care; I will pass her comments on to that Department. I did, though, check the site last night, and found that I could buy PCR tests for the prices being advertised.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address why action was refused or commit to cleaning up pricing issues; passed issue to another department
Acknowledged Importance But Did Not Take Specific Action
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Reduced train services have caused workers in East Surrey significant difficulties, especially after previous work-from-home measures.
I represent a commuter constituency in East Surrey, where reduced train services have been causing workers misery. We are still trying to unravel the situation that arose after previous work-from-home measures. Part of the challenge has been the number of drivers who went out of circulation the last time we told people to work from home; there was the challenge of getting them back in circulation. Will the Minister reassure me that he will work with the train operators this time to make sure that that does not happen again?
Of course I can give my hon. Friend that assurance, and I thank her for raising the topic.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific plan or timeline; gave general reassurance instead
Provided Vague Commitment
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The aviation sector has been hit hard by the pandemic, and omicron may further impact travel.
Following the Chancellor's U-turn on sector-specific support, the sector hardest hit by covid is aviation, with the UK sector's uneven recovery being the slowest in Europe. Understandably, omicron may now wipe out Christmas travel, so does the Secretary of State agree that the sector needs support now, whether it through furlough, grants, or route development funds? We need to see that the Government understand the urgency of the situation, including by their extending the terms of the coronavirus large business interruption loan scheme so that it covers aviation and travel businesses.
The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the aviation sector has benefited from approximately £8 billion of support from the Government's cross-economy measures. We are just about to announce the third iteration of the airport and ground handlers business rates support scheme to help with fixed costs. We will continue to listen to the sector to understand how best it may be supported.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to any new specific measures; referenced ongoing efforts without concrete commitments
Acknowledged Support But Did Not Specify Immediate Actions
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Despite Burnley's diverse economy, there is only one rail service per hour to Manchester.
Despite Burnley having a premier league football club, a university campus, world-class engineering companies and an incredible spa resort, there is still just one rail service between Burnley and Manchester an hour. Will the Secretary of State look at that, and meet me to see what we can do to increase that frequency?
I wish my hon. Friend a happy birthday, and look forward to sharing his birthday cake later and discussing these matters. He is a persistent campaigner for better rail services for his constituents. The constructive manner in which he goes about his business on behalf of his constituency will pay dividends for him. Future services will depend on demand, but of course I will continue to work with him on how we can get the best out of our rail plans, including the £96 billion integrated rail plan, for Burnley.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific review or meeting; focused on positive feedback and ongoing efforts
Acknowledged Importance But Did Not Promise Concrete Steps
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from concerns about rising fares, reduced services, and potential line closures in London.
Will the Secretary of State assure the House that when he meets with Transport for London, he will take into consideration the effects on the environment, job opportunities, air quality, young people's mobility, and older people's travel needs due to rising fares, reduced services, and possible closures?
I assure the right hon. Gentleman that we want to see this resolved, and we are in constant contact with TfL and the Mayor's office.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific impacts on environment, job opportunities, air quality for young and older people were not addressed directly
Response accuracy
Q8
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Buckinghamshire Council refused to allow HS2 Ltd to use local roads due to insufficient information provided.
Does my hon. Friend agree that if HS2 Ltd is to be a good neighbour, it must provide all relevant information to local authorities to minimise the effect on residents and businesses?
I agree with my hon. Friend that if HS2 Ltd is to be a good neighbour, it must provide all relevant information.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The bus recovery grant expires, leaving operators facing a cliff edge with little time for notice periods.
Can the Secretary of State give us any assurance that action will be taken to avoid difficult decisions on 19 January and protect vital services?
The Government have stood by the bus sector so far, and will return to the House with additional information for operators.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or assurances not provided beyond a promise of future updates
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Residents in the Bolsover constituency are seeking relief from HS2 safeguarding measures.
Can my hon. Friend give me the Christmas present that so many residents are looking for, and lift the safeguarding on land across dozens of villages in the constituency?
We have committed £100 million to working on HS2 trains to Leeds, but must wait for the outcome of this work before lifting any safeguarding.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Lifting of specific safeguards not addressed; focus shifted to broader rail plan benefits and funding commitments
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
▸
Context
York has not had a local plan for 67 years or an upgrade of its transport plan in over 10 years.
When will new instructions on local plans come out, focusing on decarbonisation?
The hon. Lady will have to forgive me as I do not know the answer but will happily write to her with it.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or focus on decarbonisation not provided; deflection towards writing a letter
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Melton Mowbray distributor road agreement reached after 40 years of discussion.
Will the Government continue to put their full weight behind the delivery of this crucial infrastructure for my constituency?
The Government are showing support through the housing infrastructure fund and the local authorities major schemes fund, with final business case pending.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to full weight behind delivery not provided; partial assurance given on funds and approval phase
Response accuracy
Q13
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The aviation sector is seeking additional support amid travel rule changes and high overhead costs.
Has the Secretary of State had any recent discussions with the Chancellor about what extra support could be offered to airports?
We have provided additional support for airport operators and ground handlers, starting now, in most cases with business rates paid.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The proposed Beeching reversals are aimed at restoring railway lines closed in the 1960s. Ferryhill station is a key example where reopening could benefit local communities economically and socially.
Do Ministers agree with me that the proposed Beeching reversals could be transformational for some of our communities? Ferryhill station is an obvious example. The Stillington line could connect communities on Teesside with jobs and days out on the coast, but also with the newly introduced Middlesbrough to London service. That could not only stimulate economic growth but, more important, give hope to our young people. When will it be given final approval?
We are assessing all the schemes in the new year, and there will be answers then.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The question specifically asked for a timeline or date for final approval which was not provided. The answer avoided giving any specific timeframe.
Response accuracy
Q15
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The integrated rail plan scrapped the eastern leg of HS2, but now focuses on investing £12.8 billion in the east midlands. The Maid Marian line would reintroduce rail services to Selston after a 60-year absence.
The integrated rail plan was fantastic news for the people of Ashfield. Not only did it scrap the eastern leg of HS2—which created havoc and devastation in my constituency—but it allows for the investment of £12.8 billion in the east midlands. However, my priority now is the Maid Marian line, which will bring rail services to Selston for the first time in 60 years. Will the Minister meet me to see what a good case I can put for the return of that service?
I should be delighted to meet my hon. Friend, who is an incredible champion for his constituency.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The Government have accepted Felicity Buchan's ten-minute rule Bill, which mandates that new homes and office buildings due to have car parking spaces should instead have electric vehicle chargers.
I am delighted that the Government have accepted my ten-minute rule Bill as part of the transport decarbonisation plan. The plan has mandated that all new homes and office buildings that were due to have car parking spaces should have electric vehicle chargers, and I think that that makes a great deal of sense. Can my hon. Friend update the House on the timing of the likely legislation?
The Government have taken this on board and regulations will be laid early next year, which will contribute to the additional infrastructure available for the transition from fossil fuel vehicles to the zero emission vehicles of the future.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q17
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Typically, significant work is carried out on the rail network over the Christmas period. The east coast main line is a focus for such work.
The Christmas and new year periods typically see significant work on our rail network. Will my hon. Friend tell us what is happening this year, perhaps with particular reference to the east coast main line?
It gives me an opportunity to thank all the rail workers who will be out over the Christmas period delivering £131 million-worth of value with more than 370 projects, including—because we need to get ready for the trans-Pennine upgrade—nine days of major work in Leeds and a number of days' work at Manchester Victoria, as well as renewal work at Skelton, near my hon. Friend's constituency.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has experienced a backlog of applications, affecting over 1.4 million applications in Northern Ireland.
I am more than pleased to ask a question. It relates to delays at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. I know the Secretary of State has indicated that giant steps have been taken to address the issue, but what discussions has he had with the Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure to address the 1.4 million applications in Northern Ireland that have been affected by backlogs which have also affected the UK mainland?
We are, of course, in touch to make sure that the backlogs which have, understandably, built up during the coronavirus outbreak are being dealt with as quickly as possible. One of the best ways of doing that is digitising the services to ensure that more transactions take place electronically, online.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific discussions mentioned were not detailed or confirmed; instead, a general solution (digitisation) was proposed.
Response accuracy