Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rail Infrastructure

Wednesday 18 January 2023 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government spent 340 million on railways over the control period, including significant investments in Wales.
  • New, more modern trains are being rolled out on key routes between south Wales and Devon.
  • These new trains will be more comfortable for passengers and emit less carbon.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Transport
Context

Rail strikes are causing significant disruption across the UK, affecting tourism and hospitality in Wales and Scotland where transport is devolved. In Wales, a pay agreement was reached but railway operations cannot function due to UK-managed maintenance responsibilities.

Question

The Government's failure to end rail strikes impacts all of us across the UK. Transport is devolved in Wales and Scotland, yet people from England travel into these countries for tourism and hospitality revenue. In Wales, a pay agreement has been reached but railways cannot function on strike days due to UK-managed maintenance responsibilities. Can the Secretary of State outline what he is doing to resolve these damaging strikes and get railways up and running again?

Answer from David Davies

We have spent £340 million on railways over this control period, including £125 million on the core valley lines, £4.7 million on St Clears station, £4 million on the Bow Street station and £2.7 million on the Cambrian line. Additionally, money has been allocated for projects like the electrification of the south Wales line. The Cardiff capital region South Wales Metro is funded partly by the UK Government through a growth deal.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question specifically asked about resolving rail strikes and getting railways up and running again, but the answer did not address this directly.

How: I Must Confess That I Failed To Hear Much Of That Question

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Q2 Kevin Foster Con
Transport Climate
Context

Direct train services between south Wales and Devon are crucial for rail connectivity. However, these routes operate with older, less reliable rolling stock.

Question

Direct train services between south Wales and Devon are a key part of our rail infrastructure, yet most are operated using older, less reliable rolling stock. What prospect does the Secretary of State see for getting new, more modern trains operating on these routes?

Answer from David Davies

More modern stock is being rolled out on those particular routes. This includes carriages that will be more comfortable for passengers and emit less carbon.

Answered
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