Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 8 June 2023 · 19 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 15 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Greg Smith raised concerns about overcrowding on Chiltern services and the discontinuation of Class 68 loco-hauled trains.
  • Mike Kane discussed the inefficiency of the UK's airspace system and its impact on carbon emissions for flights.
  • Marion Fellows questioned whether current regulations on hydrogen transport and storage are hindering innovation in Scotland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Transport
Context

The MP is raising concerns about overcrowding on specific rail lines and the potential discontinuation of Class 68 loco-hauled trains.

Question

Overcrowding on Chiltern services from stations such as Haddenham and Thame Parkway and Princes Risborough has become beyond unacceptable. That will only get worse if Chiltern is forced to discontinue the Class 68 loco-hauled trains, as expected. Will my right hon. Friend agree to enable the continued use of these trains until Chiltern can complete its full planned fleet renewal?

Answer from Mark Harper

I am able to tell my hon. Friend that officials in the Department are already working with Chiltern on looking at how we deal with those issues. I know that the rail Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Bexhill and Battle (Huw Merriman), will be delighted to meet him to give him more detail of the work already under way so that we can deliver a better service for his constituents.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not explicitly commit to enabling the continued use of these trains until Chiltern completes its full planned fleet renewal.

How: Under Review, Looking At How We Deal With Those Issues

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Q2 Mike Kane Lab Wythenshawe and Sale East
Transport Climate
Context

The MP is concerned about the inefficiencies of UK airspace, which affects carbon emissions from flights.

Question

Due to the UK's out-of-date and inefficient airspace, designed in the 1960s, the average flight from Luton to Jersey emits 24% more carbon than necessary. Modernising UK airspace is the quickest and most effective way to save carbon in the UK aviation sector. The process is so slow and bureaucratic that it is going to be the 2060s before this is sorted. Is it not time the Secretary of State stepped up to the plate?

Answer from Mark Harper

I agree with the hon. Gentleman about the importance of airspace modernisation, which is exactly why we are getting on with it. I have had recent discussions with National Air Traffic Services on the work it is doing and discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority. That work is under way, and we are looking at it in the UK, but also working with our international partners to make sure this plays a part in decarbonisation. It was something I discussed in the US when I co-chaired a summit with the US Transportation Secretary, and we talked about these issues with important players in the aviation sector globally.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a specific timeline or concrete action plan for airspace modernisation.

How: Under Way, Looking At It

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Q3 Stephen Hammond Con
Transport
Context

The MP is questioning the efficiency of railway financing and suggests a better method for cost and revenue management.

Question

As railway ridership returns to pre-pandemic levels, we need an efficient approach to railway finance. Can my hon. Friend say when he intends to reunite cost and revenue, so that that continues to drive up demand and provides an efficient method?

Answer from Huw Merriman

My hon. Friend is right to point out that we currently view costs as sitting with the DFT and revenue as sitting with the Treasury. This can make it harder to increase services, even when extra revenue can be assured, because costs at the DFT cannot increase. He can be assured that the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and I spoke yesterday about how we can grow services and revenues with one profit and loss statement. I am also working with the train operators to amend their contracts, so they can be the parties that take the risk and get a greater share of the reward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a specific timeline or concrete action plan for reunifying cost and revenue management in railway financing.

How: Under Review, Working With Train Operators

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Q4 Marion Fellows SNP
Scotland Energy Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about restrictive regulations hampering the use of surplus energy from tidal turbines to produce green hydrogen.

Question

Current regulations on hydrogen transport and storage are preventing world-leading renewables innovators such as the European Marine Energy Centre in Scotland from using surplus energy from tidal turbines to produce green hydrogen and export it off-island? Will the Department work with the Competition and Markets Authority to review these regulations and ensure that Scotland's green industrial revolution is not hampered by Westminster's regulatory dead hand?

Answer from Jesse Norman

As the hon. Lady will know, I have already outlined the support that we have been giving and the warm interest we take in hydrogen, so I am very interested to hear what she says. If she could bear to send me the details, I will make sure that I or the relevant Minister responds to her.

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to working with the Competition and Markets Authority or provide a concrete timeline for reviewing regulations.

How: Will Respond If Details Are Provided

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Q5 Scott Benton
Economy Transport
Context

The MP is questioning the introduction of public service obligations for regional airports to support tourism and economic growth.

Question

The cut to air passenger duty was a welcome boost for domestic aviation and for facilitating the growth of regional airports, such as Blackpool. Following this success, will the Government consider introducing public service obligation routes from destinations such as Blackpool to support tourism and economic growth?

Answer from Jesse Norman

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. We had a Westminster Hall debate on this a few months ago. As he will know, the UK policy on public service obligations is to protect existing routes in danger of being lost, and the DFT jointly funds routes into London from Newquay, Dundee and Derry/Londonderry. Lord Hendy's independent Union connectivity review has now been lodged. We have welcomed it, and we will continue to consider the ways in which PSOs can help the Government to achieve regional connectivity needs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to introducing PSO routes for destinations like Blackpool.

How: Under Review, Considering Ways

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Q6 Florence Eshalomi Labour (Co-op) Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Crime & Law Enforcement Climate Women & Equalities
Context

The MP is raising concerns about a significant increase in sexual harassment and offences on public transport.

Question

British Transport Police highlighted that instances of sexual harassment and sexual offences on public transport have soared by a shocking 175% between 2019 and 2020. We need our women and girls to feel safe to use public transport, and to use it so that we can tackle the climate emergency. Labour is committed to halving violence against women and girls. When will the Government match that commitment and make sure that our women and girls feel safe to use public transport?

Answer from Mark Harper

The hon. Lady is right to focus on this. That is why the Government published our cross-Government “Tackling violence against women and girls strategy”, which the Department for Transport is fundamentally involved with. Since 2019 the BTP, which the hon. Lady mentioned specifically, has enhanced its approach to combating violence against women and girls, complemented by the BTP chief constable's personal commitment and drive on this subject.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to matching Labour's goal of halving VAWG.

How: Under Review, Enhanced Approach

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Q7 Selaine Saxby
Transport
Context

North Devon's pothole group recently made national news, highlighting the ongoing issue of excessive potholes in local roads.

Question

I am concerned about North Devon's pothole situation despite ongoing efforts. Our roads are still full of potholes and patches rather than proper road surfaces. What is my right hon. Friend doing to ensure that local councils effectively spend their pothole funding, especially for rural roads?

Answer from Jesse Norman

My hon. Friend might know that I visited Devon previously as a roads Minister and saw its innovative work on potholes. The Government are investing £5 billion in local highways maintenance outside London, with mayoral combined authorities receiving CRSTS funding. Each local highway authority decides how to spend the money but must account locally for it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address specific effectiveness or rural road improvements directly

How: General Statements About Funding Without Specifics On Effectiveness

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Q8 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Transport
Context

Luton Town has been promoted to the premier league, which will increase rail usage. However, Luton station lacks adequate accessibility for people with mobility issues.

Question

With Luton Town's promotion, many fans will travel by train from London clubs like Arsenal. However, Luton station is not accessible for many people due to mobility issues. The Minister has confirmed Access for All funding for lifts in the station next year. What recent conversations have he had with the Sport Minister about rail accessibility for sports fans?

Answer from Huw Merriman

I congratulate Luton Town. My family supports them, both during good times and bad. I also thank the hon. Lady for showing me around Luton station. Access for All funding is coming to put lifts in by next year; any delays will not be signed off. Work on leaking platforms 1 and 2 starts August 2023 and completes early 2024.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not mention discussions with Sport Minister, only thanked for showing around station

How: Acknowledged Luton Town Promotion But Did Not Answer About Accessibility

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Q9 David Simmonds Con Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Transport
Context

Heathrow airport is the most expensive in the world according to many business users. Concerns are raised about its regulatory model compared with other UK airports.

Question

I have heard concerns from constituents that Heathrow airport charges are by far the highest globally. Will my right hon. Friend consider looking at the regulatory model, making it more aligned with other UK airports for better competitiveness?

Answer from Mark Harper

Heathrow is economically regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), including charge caps. The CAA published its 2022-2026 settlement in March, and the Competition and Markets Authority considers appeals against that decision. We aim to publish an independent review of the CAA by summer.

Answered
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Q10 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Transport
Context

A constituent named Vance applied for a medical driving licence and faced delays, affecting his job. This highlights broader issues with such applications.

Question

My constituent Vance applied for a medical driving licence in April 2022 but was told to reapply after 14 months due to delays. How can the Minister explain these delays and what is being done to address them?

Answer from Mark Harper

That specific case should not have happened, but I will make sure the roads Minister looks at it. Generally, medical cases are delayed due to pandemic and industrial action impacts; we aim to resolve these issues soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not give specifics on resolving delays or addressing Vance's case directly

How: Acknowledged Issue But Did Not Provide Specific Measures

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Q11 Antony Higginbotham
Transport
Context

Junction 11 of the M65 does not allow westward traffic, leading to a congested Burnley town centre and limiting economic opportunities.

Question

Could my right hon. Friend set out what funding is available for a study assessing the viability of adding a westwards slip road at Junction 11 of the M65?

Answer from Jesse Norman

In 2021, National Highways was asked to study possible interventions around the M65 at Colne. The study concluded in 2022 and findings were handed over to Lancashire County Council and Transport for the North.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide funding specifics or direct answers on viability studies

How: Referenced Previous Studies But Did Not Address Current Funding Options

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Q12 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Transport
Context

There is frustration over the lack of talks to resolve disputes between trade unions and rail operators since the start of the year.

Question

Why won't the Secretary of State and rail Minister arrange talks to settle the dispute between trade unions and operators, as both parties believe a pathway exists for resolution?

Answer from Mark Harper

The table has an offer on it; union members have not voted. The deal is on the table and unions should put it to their members.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the lack of talks or the pathway for resolution directly

How: Said Offer Is On The Table But Did Not Initiate Talks

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Q13 Duncan Baker
Transport
Context

Sheringham's A148-Holway road junction experiences congestion and is a key tourist destination with rat-running issues.

Question

The Minister visited Sheringham to see the congested A148-Holway road junction. May I ask for additional funding opportunities to improve this vital junction?

Answer from Mark Harper

The roads Minister is happy to meet my hon. Friend. Norfolk County Council has completed a feasibility study and committed funds for further development of the scheme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not mention finding additional money directly, only met to discuss further

How: Agreed To Meet But Did Not Commit Funding

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Q14 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Transport
Context

The MP asked if the Government is committed to building a third runway at Heathrow.

Question

A simple question for the Transport Secretary: are the Government committed to building a third runway at Heathrow—yes or no?

Answer from Mark Harper

The decision about whether to build a third runway is one for Heathrow. The funding has to come from Heathrow. A significant process has to get under way if it wants to proceed, and the Government would wait with interest to see whether it does so.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a clear yes or no commitment on building a third runway

How: Asking Heathrow To Make The First Move

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Q15 Sheryll Murray Con
Transport
Context

The MP noted that National Highways has already done research on a safety package for the A38 from Carkeel to Trerulefoot, and it is urgent.

Question

Please can the Secretary of State look again at this?

Answer from Jesse Norman

The part of the A38 has a high collision rate. National Highways consulted on proposed safety improvements and continues to develop its plans in light of feedback received. We will encourage it to accelerate that work.

Answered
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Q16 Barry Sheerman Lab
Transport
Context

The MP raised concerns about the number of learner drivers delivering pizzas with no training, leading to casualties.

Question

Is the Secretary of State aware of this issue?

Answer from Mark Harper

It is difficult to make policy based on anecdote. If he has specific examples and evidence, I would be delighted if he wrote to me or the roads Minister.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Asked for specific evidence rather than addressing concerns directly

How: Difficult To Make Policy Based On Anecdote

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Q17 Maggie Throup Con
Transport Energy
Context

The MP noted that roadworks reappear causing congestion, especially in Long Eaton and Sawley.

Question

What steps are being taken to ensure utility companies better coordinate their work schedules?

Answer from Jesse Norman

The Government have introduced initiatives including Street Manager and regulatory changes designed to improve efficiency of how such works are carried out and coordinated.

Answered
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Q18 Patrick Grady SNP
Transport
Context

The MP noted stakeholders' frustration over lack of direct flights between the UK and Malawi, a commercial decision.

Question

What role can the Department for Transport play in bringing together interested parties?

Answer from Mark Harper

If regulatory issues are preventing that from happening, I would be delighted to look into those. If he raises them on behalf of the APPG, I would be delighted to hear from him.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Asked for specific commercial issues rather than direct action

How: It Is Largely A Commercial Decision

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Q19 Christopher Chope Con Christchurch
Transport
Context

The MP noted that road congestion is bad for the economy, environment and motorists' mental health.

Question

Why are the Government pursuing policies making road congestion worse?

Answer from Jesse Norman

The Government is not taking any action to increase congestion. Many schemes, for example active travel schemes, actually reduce it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Claimed that Government policies are reducing rather than increasing congestion

How: Many Schemes Actually Reduce Congestion

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