Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 17 September 2020 · 18 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 6 Partly answered 11 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Tom Hunt inquired about the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic to various forms of transport, and the Minister responded by mentioning ongoing work on the Orwell bridge and promised wind tunnel validation completion by the end of September.
  • Jim McMahon highlighted the impact of coronavirus on transport industries and questioned the timing of rail franchise emergency measures, to which the Minister responded with details about the 3.5 billion emergency measures and the importance of factual information.
  • Chris Bryant raised concerns about illegal advertising hoardings in the countryside, and the Minister responded that the issue falls under planning matters and would be raised with Housing, Communities and Local Government Ministers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tom Hunt
Transport
Context

Discusses various challenges presented by COVID-19 to transport systems and highlights the importance of safety measures at London Bridge station.

Question

My Department continues to tackle the very many different challenges that covid presents to all the forms of transport discussed here this morning. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

Answer from Grant Shapps (Secretary of State for Transport)

My Department continues to tackle the very many different challenges that covid presents to all the forms of transport discussed here this morning. It might be worth mentioning that I visited London Bridge station earlier in the week, where a programme that involves all the Network Rail stations is being rolled out. It is using antiviral cleaning materials, which means that surfaces become protected from coronavirus for up to 30 days. In addition, yesterday, the first meeting of the Hammersmith bridge taskforce took place.

Answered
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Q2 Tom Hunt
Transport
Context

Highlights the economic impact of Orwell bridge closures due to high winds on the town of Ipswich. Highways England has a plan involving a 40 mph speed limit aimed at keeping the bridge open even during windy conditions.

Question

Arguably the biggest transport issue that impacts on my constituents in Ipswich is the Orwell bridge. At the moment, the current speed limit is 60 mph, and when it closes because of high winds, the whole town grinds to a halt. The economic impact of this should not be underestimated. Highways England has a plan involving a 40 mph speed limit, which will I hope mean that the bridge can stay open even when it is very windy. However, I am slightly concerned about the timescale. Will my right hon. Friend communicate to Highways England his expectation that these new measures will be put in place before the new winter season—the windy season—when these closures will continue if we do not implement the new measures?

Answer from Grant Shapps (Secretary of State for Transport)

My hon. Friend is right that the Orwell bridge is another key artery for Ipswich. I know that it is subject to ongoing work by Highways England that requires wind tunnel validation. I have been promised that that work will be completed by the end of September. From the Dispatch Box, I send a clear message to Highways England that I expect to see it on my desk.

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Q3 Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Transport
Context

Discusses the economic impact of coronavirus on transport industries, highlighting that frontline workers have kept the country going during difficult times. Expresses concern over the lack of information regarding current rail franchise emergency measures agreements.

Question

Our transport industries have been devastated by coronavirus, but its frontline workers have kept the country going in difficult times. We owe them a debt of gratitude. At the outset of topical questions, with 72 hours to go before the current rail franchise emergency measures agreements are due to expire, I expected the Transport Secretary to update the House. I am afraid my sheet is blank because no such statement, comment or indication followed. That is absolutely staggering. Are we to expect that, rather than something being reported to the House, it will come out over the next couple of days or the weekend, denying the House the opportunity to look into it? Will the Transport Secretary commit to making a statement to the House on Monday?

Answer from Grant Shapps (Secretary of State for Transport)

The hon. Gentleman will know that the first emergency measures were worth some £3.5 billion to ensure that our rail sector was able to continue. I have already described how passengers are now returning to them and the work that is going on to make sure that they are safe to return. As the hon. Gentleman points out, it is the case that the EMAs, as they are called, come to an end quite shortly. I do not think the House would realistically expect me to stand here and carry out those negotiations in public, but I reassure him that I will certainly return to make a statement in the House as soon as there is something to say.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to make a statement on Monday was not provided

How: Will Return To Make A Statement

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Q4 Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Economy Transport
Context

Highlights the decrease in passenger numbers due to coronavirus. Expresses concern over planned rail fare increases despite reduced usage and lack of support for the sector.

Question

There are just 72 hours left to go—it is literally last-minute. It is a timetable that would make Northern shy. I do not know what is going on with the Transport Secretary. We know that passenger numbers have fallen to 7% of what they would be in normal times, yet rail fares are set for another increase in January. The average commuter will pay £3,000 for their season ticket, which is over £900 more than they would have paid in 2010. To encourage commuters back safely, will the Government commit to freezing fares and introducing part-time season tickets, as Labour has proposed?

Answer from Grant Shapps (Secretary of State for Transport)

I hate to play politics at the Dispatch Box, but it is worth reminding the hon. Gentleman that, under Labour, there were inflation-busting fare rises that added 4.9% during its time in office. Again, I want to make sure that we are speaking on the basis of facts. I will return to the House on the emergency measures. It is not true to say, as I think the hon. Gentleman did, that the number of passengers is down to a single-digit percentage.

Not addressed: Specific commitment regarding rail fares was not addressed

How: Hate To Play Politics, Reminds About Past Labour Fare Rises

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Q5 Simon Baynes
Transport
Context

Concerns over the accessibility of Ruabon station in relation to projected increases in footfall due to new housing and commercial developments. Emphasises the urgent need for step-free access.

Question

Ruabon station in my constituency of Clwyd South is the only station on the Chester to Shrewsbury route that is not compliant with Access for All. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss the urgent need for step-free access at Ruabon station, particularly given the projected increase in footfall due to new housing and commercial developments locally?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson (Member of Parliament)

My hon. Friend makes an important point. The Government are committed to ensuring that our rail network is more accessible. We are in the process of making 16 stations in Wales more accessible as part of our £350-million Access for All programme. My hon. Friend the Rail Minister would be happy to meet him to discuss Ruabon station.

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Q6 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
Local Government Environment
Context

The MP noted an increase in illegal advertising hoardings along motorways, contradicting long-standing UK laws prohibiting such advertisements outside towns and cities.

Question

One thing that makes the British countryside unique is that it has been illegal to put up large advertising hoardings since the 1940s. Unfortunately, on my journey back from London last night, I saw 23 such hoardings that have been placed illegally in fields by farmers and others. What is the Government going to do to return the British countryside to its original state without constant advertising along motorways?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

No one puts illegal hoardings on land controlled by the Department for Transport or Highways England. Much of this illegal signage is put up on land located next to motorways, so it becomes a planning matter. I will raise these concerns with Housing, Communities and Local Government Ministers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions against illegal hoardings or timeline for addressing the issue

How: Raising Concerns

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Q7 Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford
Environment
Context

The MP highlighted noise pollution issues caused by speeding vehicles in the Rutland TT race circuit, affecting quiet villages.

Question

My constituents are fed up with speeding vehicles causing noise pollution, especially on the Rutland TT race circuit. Will my right hon. Friend consider running noise camera trials in some of our stunning 160 villages to address this issue?

Answer from Grant Shapps

Trials using noise equipment and automatic number plate recognition software have been carried out. Work is ongoing to compile the results into a report, aiming to address modifications made for noise alone.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm or deny plans for specific trials in villages mentioned

How: Ongoing Work, Compiling Report

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Q8 Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath
Transport Energy Environment
Context

The MP referenced the Secretary of State's previous statement about hydrogen bus towns and hubs, inquiring about specific plans to benefit cities like Bath with steep hills.

Question

Before the summer recess, the Secretary of State mentioned his plans to introduce hydrogen bus towns and hydrogen hubs. Will he update us on these plans, especially for cities such as Bath, which faces challenges with electric buses due to its topography?

Answer from Grant Shapps

We are keen to improve air quality and have invested in car electrification, resulting in more charging locations than petrol stations. 4,000 zero-carbon buses will be coming in, and we will work closely with local authorities like Bath to create clean air zones.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific updates or timelines for hydrogen bus initiatives

How: Air Quality Improvement, Electrification

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Q9 Stuart Anderson Con South Shropshire
Transport
Context

The MP requested the Secretary of State's support to reopen the Tettenhall train station for better connectivity in Wolverhampton.

Question

Will the Secretary of State work with me to see that Tettenhall gets the train station it needs, to support the surrounding area and increase connectivity?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

The aim of the Restoring Your Railway programme is to reconnect people and communities. I encourage my hon. Friend to contact the programme's team to discuss next steps.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific plan or timeline for reopening Tettenhall station

How: Reconnecting People, Discuss With Program

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Q10 Alex Norris Labour (Co-op) Nottingham North and Kimberley
Transport
Context

The MP noted a previous commitment from the Prime Minister to electrify the entire midland main line, asking if this remains a priority.

Question

Before the general election, the Prime Minister committed to electrifying the entire midland main line. Will the Secretary of State reaffirm that commitment or was it another broken promise?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

We are currently delivering the midland main line upgrade, including electrification from London to Kettering. Additional electrification is being examined by Network Rail and will be developed further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not reaffirm full commitment or timeline for future electrification

How: Current Delivery, Examining

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Q11 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Transport
Context

The MP highlighted the challenges faced by the taxi and private hire sector due to the pandemic, inquiring about an impact assessment.

Question

There are over 360,000 licensed taxi and private hire drivers in England. What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the impact on this sector, and how does he plan to measure the effectiveness of his statutory guidance issued in July?

Answer from Grant Shapps

The statutory taxi and private hire vehicle standards have considerable teeth with national databases for local authorities. We will put work into ensuring that all sign up to these and use them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a detailed impact assessment or measurement plan

How: National Databases, Sign-Up

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Q12 Jane Hunt
Transport
Context

The MP raised concerns about taxi drivers having to pay a full £600 fee for permits at Loughborough station despite business declines due to the pandemic.

Question

Many taxi drivers have raised concerns about paying East Midlands Railway a full £600 fee for a permit to ply for hire at Loughborough station. Have there been discussions with rail operators, and if not, is it something you would consider?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

Officials from my Department have been in discussions with East Midlands Railway and provided guidance last week to resolve this issue.

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Q13 Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton
Transport Energy
Context

The MP noted that the electric vehicle charging network in Thirsk and Malton is inadequate, with slow chargers and inconsistent connection types.

Question

I am concerned about the woeful state of electric vehicle charging networks in Thirsk and Malton. Many chargers require sign-up to a membership scheme or specific requirements. What more can we do to prevent the charging network from becoming a deterrent to electric vehicle adoption?

Answer from Grant Shapps

We intend to enforce, particularly on rapid chargers, a system whereby it has to be possible for people to walk up and pay contactlessly for the energy that goes into their car, without signing up to a particular scheme in advance. We have taken powers to enforce this system.

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Q14 Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Greater Manchester has been calling for the decriminalisation of moving traffic offences to provide parity across England.

Question

Back in July, the Government committed to decriminalising moving traffic offences. Given that Greater Manchester has called for this change for several years, will you give an update on the timeline for delivering on this commitment?

Answer from Grant Shapps

We intend to extend the powers throughout the country and I will report back to the House shortly.

Partly answered
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Q15 Barbara Keeley Lab
Economy Employment
Context

Thousands of jobs have been lost at easyJet and Airbus, with staff moving to part-time contracts or losing their jobs entirely.

Question

Staff who are losing their jobs in the aviation sector need the promised package of support to avoid more job losses. When will we see this support for the sector?

Answer from Grant Shapps

There has been £1.8 billion of support through the Bank of England's covid corporate financing facility, £283 million from the coronavirus job retention scheme, and over 56,400 staff furloughed with salaries worth well north of £1 billion.

Partly answered
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Q16 Lisa Cameron SNP
Transport
Context

The Department has yet to publish consultation responses regarding audio-visual announcements on buses, despite a two-year wait.

Question

Passengers have been waiting for over two years since the Department's consultation on audio-visual announcements on buses. When will passengers finally get these benefits? Will you agree to meet me and the all-party group?

Answer from Grant Shapps

During my time as Secretary of State, I have put several million pounds into precisely this issue of audio-visual on buses. I will certainly write to her with the details, and I will also arrange for her to meet the buses Minister.

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Q17 Robert Goodwill Con
Transport
Context

The A64 Hopgrove roundabout is a vital upgrade for constituents and those from West Yorkshire.

Question

This Conservative Government are investing in the Highways England strategic road network. The A64 Hopgrove roundabout upgrade is essential not only to my constituents but also to people from West Yorkshire and beyond who suffer in queues. Will you give me an indication that this project is still in the programme and of when we are likely to see spades in the ground?

Answer from Grant Shapps

My right hon. Friend is right about the £27.4 billion we are investing in the road investment strategy 2 programme to upgrade and build roads fit for the 21st century. There was very effective lobbying on the roundabout, and I will certainly come back to him in writing to provide more of an update.

Partly answered
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Q18 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Transport
Context

The question was prompted by two major rail incidents: the Stonehaven tragedy that caused fatalities, and environmental damage from the Llangennech derailment. These events highlight ongoing concerns about rail safety.

Question

I know that you, Mr Speaker, the Secretary of State and the whole House will share my grief about the fatal Stonehaven tragedy and the environmental damage wrought by the Llangennech derailment. Given these incidents, I ask when the Secretary of State will make a full statement to this House outlining the future of rail, especially regarding HS2 contracts going to UK suppliers.

Answer from Grant Shapps

The hon. Gentleman is right about Stonehaven, where I went to the scene and saw the damage. The interim report on Stonehaven was issued a week or two back with important conclusions, and I will update the House further shortly. Negotiations are ongoing with nine operating companies regarding the emergency measures agreements (EMA), but these cannot be conducted in public due to their sensitive nature. The EMAs will come to an end shortly, and I will return to the House to update it on what is happening precisely, while noting our commitment to rail investment of £3.5 billion so far.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Percentage of HS2 contracts going to UK suppliers

How: I Will Return To The House In Due Course, I Would Disbelieve Everything That You Read In The Newspapers

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