Topical Questions

Answer from Mark Harper

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising those issues. We will come out with a response on pavement parking very shortly. I cannot give him a specific date. On roadworks generally, we will consult on plans to improve the measures that stop utility companies causing roadworks to overrun, putting more pressure on them to ensure that our roads can keep moving, to support drivers.

Answer from Mark Harper

Two things: first, Avanti does not have any money under the performance regime, because it has not delivered appropriate enough quality, demonstrating that we pay only for good performance. On the specific issue that the hon. Lady raises, the Rail Minister and I raised that with Avanti. Senior executives at FirstGroup agreed with us that those comments were appalling, and they are taking steps to deal with that issue within the company.

Answer from Mark Harper

It absolutely is not. The hon. Lady referred to Avanti West Coast, I gave her the answer to the question on Avanti and then she just repeated something that simply was not the case. According to the service quality regime under which Avanti West Coast operates, it has not received any payments, because it has not been hitting the quality targets—[Interruption.] If she would listen to my answer, Avanti has not hit the quality targets, so that is exactly the performance regime working.

Answer from Huw Merriman

I would be delighted to update my hon. Friend. She will know that the upgrade of the energy coast line was one of the commitments in the Network North document. The Department is now working closely with Network Rail and local stakeholders to revisit the scope of the interventions, which were presented in the 2022 outline business case, and we expect that work to conclude later this year.

Answer from Mark Harper

The hon. Gentleman will know that the primary responsibility for delivering road transport in Scotland is the responsibility of the SNP Government, because it is devolved. I am pleased that he has welcomed the levelling-up bids that have been delivered in Scotland—this Government delivering for the people of Scotland where his Government have failed. On the specific issue he raises, I will of course draw his remarks to the attention of the Secretary of State.

Answer from Guy Opperman

My hon. Friend has been a fantastic champion for Fraserburgh and for that business in particular. I know very well the issue in respect of longer semi-trailers and compliance with the regulations. I would be delighted to meet him and the company, and I assure both the company and the wider industry that we are working to find a way forward on this question, because it matters and we want to support that business.

Answer from Anthony Browne

Indeed; aviation is important for economic development across the entirety of the UK, including links between Scotland and England. However, the public service obligations for Wick John O'Groats airport lie entirely within Scotland and are a matter for the Scottish Government.

Answer from Guy Opperman

I sincerely hope so.

Answer from Huw Merriman

The decision to extend the Avanti contract was taken because its performance had improved dramatically. At that time, its self-induced cancellation rates were at 1.5%, down from 13%. Avanti is in the process of hiring 70 drivers per year.

Answer from Huw Merriman

We have had a presentation on the plan, and I would be very happy to meet my hon. Friend to update him. It is a matter of interest, and I like to see such proposals brought forward—although, of course, we have to balance them with ensuring that the taxpayer is not at extra risk.

Answer from Guy Opperman

The Government are utterly committed to the A47. The court case is also linked to the A57. We are passionately committed to both roads. We await the judgment, which we believe will come within the next month or so.

Answer from Mark Harper

I am familiar with that scheme and know that the Chancellor has been involved. The Government will look carefully at proposals and want to ensure that exciting proposals come to fruition.

Answer from Guy Opperman

My hon. Friend is right to raise that point. It is absolutely vital that people stop throwing litter, and National Highways is committed on this matter, giving evidence about dozens of people clearing up the litter every day.

Answer from Anthony Browne

On noise, it is important to strike a balance. We will shortly publish consultation results on night flights, and the hon. Member should wait for it.

Answer from Guy Opperman

The hon. Lady understands that there are already provisions permitting action by local authorities. We intend to publish the Government review very shortly.

Answer from Anthony Browne

The use of private e-scooters on public land—on roads and pavements—is illegal in the UK, and it is up to the police to enforce that law. We have 23 different legal trials of rental e-scooters around the country. We recently announced the extension of those trials, and we are using that data to learn more about the dangers or otherwise of e-scooters, which will inform the policy for the future regulation of e-scooters.

Answer from Mark Harper

No. What I find surprising is that the London Mayor spends an awful lot of time pretending that he does not have any money, so he puts up taxes on hard-working motorists in outer London, and then just before an election, he finds a secret war chest that enables him to do popular things.

Answer from Guy Opperman

It is always good to have the hon. Gentleman winding up proceedings. I will take away that point and have a very detailed look at it, and get officials to give me a detailed answer that I will provide in writing.