Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

HS2: Monitoring and Oversight

Thursday 8 June 2023 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Comprehensive monitoring arrangements are in place for HS2 as specified by relevant Acts.
  • The Minister met with constituents and local authorities to discuss concerns over HS2 operations.
  • The Government remains committed to publishing the Leeds area study for the HS2 project.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
Transport Environment
Context

The question is prompted by concerns about the effectiveness of monitoring and oversight for HS2, particularly following a recent incident involving a sinkhole.

Question

What steps are being taken to ensure effective monitoring and oversight of HS2? My constituents woke up to find a large sinkhole in a field above where HS2 tunnel boring machines had been. This was predicted years ago by my constituents in evidence to this House. The Environment Agency's response appears inadequate, allowing HS2 contractors to mark their own homework. It is vital that we can have faith in the organisation to undertake its statutory responsibilities.

Answer from Huw Merriman

Comprehensive monitoring arrangements are in place for HS2. The High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Act 2017 and the High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe) Act 2021 specify circumstances where HS2 must seek Environment Agency consent. I have asked for a separate report from the Environment Agency to ensure independence, and when I receive it, I will sit down with the hon. Lady and her constituents.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the request for a meeting with constituents

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Q2 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
Transport Environment
Context

Concerns have been raised about HS2 Ltd's behaviour towards a local farmer who discovered that woodland on his property was being chainsawed without consultation or payment.

Question

Two weeks ago, my constituents the Hodges of Elm Tree farm in Steeple Claydon found HS2 Ltd planning to chainsaw an area of woodland they did not pay for. There was no consultation and suspicious works happened at night. When will my hon. Friend clamp down on this appalling, bullying behaviour from HS2 Ltd and its contractors?

Answer from Huw Merriman

I sat down with my hon. Friend, people from HS2 Ltd, and Buckinghamshire Council recently to discuss these matters. I am looking into the details to ensure we have correct facts. The next time I am near Steeple Claydon, we can take a look ourselves.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific action against HS2's behaviour

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Q3 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Economy Transport
Context

Concerns have been raised about HS2's budget overruns, delays, and the cancellation of projects like the Golborne link. The latest six-monthly update to Parliament is overdue.

Question

The Government's management of HS2 has seen ballooning budgets and delays; the merry-go-round of Ministers has created chaos. When will the Leeds area study finally be published?

Answer from Huw Merriman

We remain committed to HS2 and line-of-route from London to Manchester. I have met with my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to work on the matter, ensuring that when the study comes out, it will deliver properly all intended ideas. We are committed to investment and decarbonisation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific timeline for the Leeds area study publication

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