Topical Questions 2021-06-24
2021-06-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about a specific project to the levelling-up fund that would connect Oxford city centre with new housing planned around Eynsham, benefiting sustainable travel.
Last week, Oxfordshire County Council, the Vale of White Horse District Council and I applied to the levelling-up fund for the snappily titled B4044 strategic cycle link between Botley and Eynsham. This project would significantly boost sustainable travel between Oxford city centre and the new housing planned around Eynsham, linking through more deprived communities. Does the Minister agree that this is exactly the kind of active travel initiative that we need more of in areas of high housing and economic growth, especially given our desire to achieve a zero-carbon Oxfordshire by 2050?
I have not seen that particular application yet, but we do know that the Government have put in a record amount of more than £2 billion of active travel funding for walking and cycling. I know that the hon. Lady will be delighted that Oxfordshire investment has now reached £355 million in different transport environments, and that is on top of the £760 million for East West Rail, so when it comes to investing in her constituency in Oxfordshire, this Conservative Government are really going for it.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not directly address the specific ask regarding the application and its alignment with active travel initiatives, but provided information about overall funding for walking and cycling.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the speed of airport border operations for vaccinated individuals.
Is the Secretary of State hearing, as I am, that our airports and Border Force are getting people through arrivals more quickly and therefore more safely? Is he confident that we will be in a position to get more people who have been double-jabbed through arrivals with digitisation and the NHS app delivering proof of a double jab?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The last few weeks have seen a remarkable digital transformation in the background, which means that people coming in from green-list countries have been going to e-gates that have been updated, both physically and with software, or going to see a Border Force officer and having their passports scanned in one way or the other. That has been automatically linked back to the passenger locator form that they filled out before they left their country of departure, which tells Border Force whether they have had a pre-departure test and whether they have future tests booked. This links the whole machinery together, so yes, the automation is really starting to get into place now.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP mentioned a demonstration held outside Parliament urging the Government to protect jobs in aviation and tourism.
Yesterday, hundreds of workers in the aviation and tourism industry held a demonstration outside Parliament urging the Government to protect their jobs and those of 1.5 million people employed in aviation and the wider supply chain. On behalf of the countless staff and trade unions I spoke to, will the Secretary of State finally deliver on the sectoral deal that his Government promised but have so far failed to deliver? When he makes an announcement later on the traffic light system, which, it should be noted, is not being made to this House, will he publish the criteria, the country-by-country assessment and the direction of travel for each country, to give travellers confidence to plan for this summer?
I find the hon. Gentleman's policy confusing, only because, as I understand it, he has previously called for all countries to be put into the red category, meaning that there would be no travel at all. In addition, the former shadow Chancellor has said that Labour would never provide financial support to these companies, yet Labour is now saying that it wants more support to be provided and the hon. Gentleman is saying that he does not want to follow his own policy. Having a red, amber and green list enables people to see which countries are in which category, and the Joint Biosecurity Centre is publishing the data on the website to show why particular countries are in each category.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not address the sectoral deal or transparency regarding traffic light system decisions but criticized Labour's policy inconsistency.
Criticized Opposition
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the withdrawal of a deal with staff unions at DVLA Swansea.
I can give you an assurance, Mr Speaker, that I have tried my hardest to get the Transport Secretary to fully understand our sectoral deal and the way we have laid it out, but I cannot help the confusion that continues to reign with this Transport Secretary. Let us now move closer to home. We have had two questions today on the DVLA in Swansea, and the Transport Secretary did not give a convincing answer to either. It was reported last week that a deal had been reached with staff, trade unions and the Government to finally resolve the industrial dispute over health and safety failings at the DVLA in Swansea, but that it was pulled at the last minute by a Minister. Will the Secretary of State confirm whether he or senior members of the Department pulled the deal, and, if so, why? He and his Department are now squarely against the loyal workforce at DVLA Swansea. What will he now do to restore trust and confidence in those fantastic workers?
The Public and Commercial Services Union continues to take industrial action, which is targeting the services and having a negative impact on some of the most vulnerable people in society. The fact of the matter is that the safety concerns have been signed off by Public Health Wales, the Health and Safety Executive, the Welsh Government and the UK Government, yet this strike continues and now is apparently not about healthcare, but about demands over money instead. Will the hon. Gentleman actually ask people to go back to their work in order to help vulnerable people in this country? That is the question and this House needs to know.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not address the specific issues of deal withdrawal or trust restoration but focused on ongoing industrial action motives.
Criticized Opposition
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The aviation sector faces severe impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to protests by workers demanding better support.
I have lost count of the number of times I have asked this Government about their long-abandoned commitment to specific support for the aviation sector. Despite the Secretary of State's tinkering with the traffic light system, it looks increasingly unlikely that there will be any summer season. It is clear to the dogs on the street that an aviation, travel and tourism recovery package and a targeted extension of furlough is now an imperative.
The Department does recognise the severe impact that the covid-19 pandemic has had on regional air travel. We have supported critical routes through policies such as public service obligations and the airport and ground operations support scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to a specific recovery package or furlough extension
Looking After The Interests Of The Sector
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
The introduction of a new flexible season ticket has sparked interest due to potential savings for commuters.
I welcome the new flexible season ticket that was introduced this week. It will save someone travelling from Stanford-le-Hope into London three days a week more than £120, and someone travelling from Basildon more than £100. Does my right hon. Friend agree that, as more and more people move to hybrid working, it is important that we have flexibility in our public transport systems?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I saw some coverage of the flexible season tickets, and it is true to say that ticketing is complex across the network, but, compared with somebody who would otherwise buy a regular ticket, somebody travelling two or three days a week will always be at least 20% better off with a flexible season ticket.
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Assessment & feedback
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Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
A tragic incident involving a blind constituent led to concerns about the lack of safety measures at railway stations.
A constituent of mine who was blind tragically died last year when he fell in front of a train owing to a lack of safety measures, a lack of audio announcements and a lack of tactile paving on the platform. I know that the Government have plans for tactile paving, although they are unclear at the moment, but while we are waiting for this to happen, will the Minister commit to introducing audio announcements, which provide safety information at railway stations, as a matter of urgency to keep people safe and to prevent another person from losing their life?
I am familiar with that absolutely tragic case. Indeed, I know that my hon. Friend the Rail Minister met the partner of the deceased last week and discussed all of these matters, including the integration of audible announcements, which we consider to be very important indeed.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to introducing audio announcements urgently
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about vehicle idling contributing to poor air quality have prompted calls for stricter fines.
Improving our air quality is a major priority for my constituents. Both they and I remain very concerned about the ongoing number of drivers who continue to idle their vehicles when parked at the kerbside. A single minute of idling an engine of a car creates 9 litres of CO. Unfortunately, regulation 98 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 does not adequately equip local authorities with the power they need to deter repeat engine idlers, only with an £80 fine. With that in mind, does my hon. Friend agree that we should now be considering increasing fines for drivers who continue to idle their engines, making it a genuine effective deterrent?
I know that my hon. Friend is a passionate campaigner on this issue and I completely agree that it is vital that we take action. Ultimately, it will be better technology, such as stop-start and zero-emission vehicles that will solve the issue.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to increasing fines for vehicle idling
Technology Will Solve The Issue
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Experts warn that the Government's £27 billion roadbuilding programme could have a significant carbon impact, far exceeding official estimates.
Experts have warned that the carbon impact of the Government's £27 billion roadbuilding programme could be around 100 times greater than the official Government estimates. Why will the Government not reassure us by committing to a comprehensive environmental impact assessment of the plans?
In the same session, we have managed to hear the hon. Gentleman be, first, anti-air, and now anti-road.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to a comprehensive environmental impact assessment
Changing Subject From Roadbuilding Programme
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the financial impact on bus operators due to reduced demand during the pandemic.
Ending financial support before demand has returned could leave bus and light rail operators facing a cliff edge. What plans do the Government have to ensure a smooth recovery for operators, such as Blackpool Transport, so that they can expand their timetables on routes such as the 2C, which runs through to Knott End-on-Sea via many other villages?
The hon. Lady is absolutely right that bus transport has required a huge amount of support. We have put in hundreds of millions during this pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans for supporting smooth recovery and expanding timetables
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
The Calder Valley line is a strategic passenger and freight route, with a focus on decarbonising the transport network.
The Calder Valley line is a major strategic passenger and freight line, which was placed as the top priority in the 2015 Northern Sparks report, which highlights that the Calder Valley line is long overdue in playing its part in decarbonising the local transport network. Can my right hon. Friend update the House on when we may expect the publication of the Government's transport decarbonisation plan?
Yes, the transport decarbonisation plan is central to our lead-in to COP26 and it is absolutely essential that we get this right and that it is ambitious enough to match the scale of the problem that we face. My hon. Friend will not have to wait long, and I think he will be impressed by the ambition.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific publication date for the transport decarbonisation plan
Not Providing A Specific Publication Date
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The McKenna family contacted the MP about issues with accessing driving tests locally, noting a backlog impacting many constituents.
I was recently contacted by the McKenna family in my constituency regarding the availability of driving tests. Ross had to travel to Blackpool for his theory test and faces delays for his practical test due to a backlog. This issue affects many constituents, so will the Department speak to agencies to obtain funding for more localised testing?
There is a backlog of about 440,000 due to the pandemic. The agency has a recovery plan to increase daily tests. I will ensure this recovery plan stays on track.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to securing additional funding from agencies specifically requested
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
Lorry drivers face regular threats of robbery and assault, often due to inadequate break facilities forcing them to park in lay-bys.
Lorry drivers such as my constituent Stewart have kept the country moving during the pandemic but now face regular threats of robbery and assault. Insufficient secure facilities force many to park in lay-bys or use inadequate ones. Will the Minister work with industry to increase secure truck stops for these critical workers?
My Department will continue work started last year to engage stakeholders and encourage development of safe, secure and high-quality lorry parking.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific actions or timelines to establish more secure truck stops as requested
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
Improving railway stations and connectivity is key to levelling up opportunities, but some stations like Oswaldtwistle have accessibility issues.
Improving our railways for better connectivity across east Lancashire is crucial for spreading opportunity. However, we still face accessibility challenges at stations such as Oswaldtwittle. Will the Minister outline support plans to enhance accessibility in areas like mine?
All Access for All funding has been allocated, including nearby Accrington station with works due by 2024. Further support will be considered when more funding is available.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific new funding or immediate actions as requested
Response accuracy
Q15
Direct Answer
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Context
Introduction of E10 fuel in September 2021 could cause serious damage to older vehicles, posing risks if drivers mistakenly use it.
Ministers are aware that E10 fuel is not compatible with all motor vehicles, particularly older ones. What extra measures will the Government take to ensure motorists fully understand these dangers and can accurately check their vehicle compatibility on gov.uk?
I can reassure my right hon. Friend that the website is already updated and accurate. Some older cars cannot run on E10 fuel; this will be clearly marked. E5 will remain available.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy