Topical Questions

Answer from Grant Shapps

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.

Answer from Grant Shapps

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.

Answer from Grant Shapps

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.

Answer from Grant Shapps

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.

Answer from Grant Shapps

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.

Answer from Grant Shapps

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.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

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.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

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.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

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.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

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.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

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.

Answer from Grant Shapps

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.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

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.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

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.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

HS2 Ltd is meeting parish councils on 1 March. The HS2 Minister looks forward to ongoing discussions regarding ideas raised in the Select Committee.