Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rail Infrastructure

Wednesday 15 September 2021 · 7 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government are funding rail improvements in Wales, including upgrades for Cardiff Central station and the Cambrian line.
  • The Welsh Government is encouraged to engage with the rail network enhancement pipeline or consider future rounds of the levelling-up fund.
  • The Minister reaffirmed that he will listen to the views of Members of Parliament and the Welsh Government when considering applications for new stations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Transport Wales
Context

The MP is concerned about the lack of funding for rail improvements in Wales.

Question

What plans does the Government have to provide funding for rail infrastructure in Wales?

Answer from David Davies

The Government are funding a number of rail improvements in Wales, including upgrading Cardiff Central station and the Cambrian line. Upgrades are also planned for key lines in north, south-east and south-west Wales.

Answered
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Q2 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Transport Wales
Context

Wales accounts for 11% of the UK's rail network but receives only 2% of rail enhancement funding. The MP asks about addressing underinvestment.

Question

Will the Government commit to addressing this underinvestment and supporting cross-border services and new stations in Newport East?

Answer from David Davies

The figure cited comes from a Wales Government report focusing on renewals between 2011-2015. A more comprehensive analysis shows the correct figure is 4.37%. The Welsh Government should engage with the rail network enhancement pipeline or consider future rounds of the levelling-up fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to address underinvestment and support specific projects in Newport East

How: This Oft-Cited Figure Comes From A Wales Government Report Which Looks Purely At Renewals Between 2011 And 2015.

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Q3 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Transport
Context

The debate about closing the Pencoed level crossing has been ongoing since the early '90s. The cost of upgrading is estimated at almost £20 million.

Question

May I press the Minister to ensure that DfT Ministers back up their announcements with funding for tackling safety issues around the Pencoed level crossing?

Answer from David Davies

The hon. Gentleman has made a powerful case, but I would encourage all partners and stakeholders in this, including DfT Ministers—and also those in the Welsh Government, who are responsible for the highways—to engage with the rail network enhancement pipeline or consider future rounds of the levelling-up fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to provide funding for Pencoed level crossing improvement project

How: I Would Encourage All Partners And Stakeholders In This, Including Dft Ministers—And Also Those In The Welsh Government, Who Are Responsible For The Highways...

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Q4 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Transport
Context

The MP is concerned about issues with the Hitachi carriages and fleet in Swansea.

Question

Can he confirm that he is aware of problems with the Hitachi carriages and fleet, and what conversations he is having with his colleagues regarding this issue?

Answer from David Davies

The rolling stock is being examined. There is no issue around safety. I do not know what the costs are, but there would have been enormous costs to electrification between Cardiff and Swansea with no benefits for any passengers in terms of decreased time.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on conversations and costs related to these issues

How: I Believe That That Problem Was Quite Well Publicised, So I Think We Are All Aware Of It. The Rolling Stock Is Being Examined.

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Q5 Alun Cairns Con
Transport Local Government
Context

The community in St Athan was disappointed that the new station for St Athan was not included in the application to the Department for Transport's new stations fund.

Question

Can my hon. Friend reassure me that he will listen to the views of Members of Parliament as well as the Welsh Government when considering applications for new stations?

Answer from David Davies

I can absolutely reassure my right hon. Friend that he will listen to the views of Members of Parliament as well as the Welsh Government when considering applications for new stations.

Answered
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Q6 Michael Fabricant Con
Transport Wales
Context

The community is excited about the work being done by Network Rail on the only wooden bridge used for rail services between Morfa Mawddach and Barmouth.

Question

Will he make a point, together with the Secretary of State, to visit this bridge when it is finally completed?

Answer from David Davies

I would be delighted to take my hon. Friend up on what I think is an invitation to visit. Many companies in Wales will be tendering for work on the HS2 project, so there will be huge benefits to Wales and the whole United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to visit the bridge upon completion

How: I Would Be Delighted To Take My Hon. Friend Up On What I Think Is An Invitation To Visit.

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Q7 Jacob Young
Transport Climate
Context

HS2 is seen as a way to support rail infrastructure across the country, including places like Port Talbot and Teesside.

Question

Does the Minister agree that HS2 will have a truly nationwide benefit if we use UK steel in its construction?

Answer from David Davies

Of course, many companies in Wales will be tendering for work on the HS2 project. There will be huge benefits to Wales and the whole United Kingdom. HS2 is also about getting people off the roads and on to the railways, which is something that anyone who supports getting Britain to net zero by 2050 should be in support of.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific agreement on nationwide benefits of using UK steel

How: Of Course, Many Companies In Wales Will Be Tendering For Work On The Hs2 Project.

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