Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Capital Investment

Thursday 10 October 2024 · 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Graham Leadbitter asked the Secretary of State about increasing capital investment in transport and discussed Scotland's ambitions for major capital transport schemes.
  • The Secretary of State met with Scottish Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop and noted that spending commitments are a matter for the spending review, with ongoing negotiations.
  • Jim Dickson inquired about under-investment in the lower Thames crossing project and its impact on Dartford residents, seeking Treasury representations for the project.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Graham Leadbitter SNP Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
Economy Transport
Context

The question arises from the need for increased capital investment in transport projects after significant cuts under the previous government.

Question

Whether she has had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on increasing capital investment in transport. The Secretary of State is aware of Scotland and other devolved nations' ambitions regarding major capital transport schemes, but notes swingeing cuts to capital budgets by the previous Tory Government amid rising construction inflation.

Answer from Louise Haigh

I have met the Scottish Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop, and look forward to a constructive working relationship with her. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that spending commitments are a matter for the spending review, but those negotiations and discussions are ongoing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask of ensuring substantial increases in capital funding was not addressed directly.

How: Looking Forward To Constructive Working Relationship, Negotiations Ongoing

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Q2 Graham Leadbitter SNP Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
Transport Scotland
Context

The question stems from the need for increased capital funding to address underfunding and rising construction inflation affecting major transport schemes.

Question

The Secretary of State is aware of Scotland's ambitions regarding major capital transport schemes, but notes swingeing cuts made to capital budgets by the previous Tory Government while construction inflation has risen to eye-watering levels. Will she ensure that capital funding for transport projects is substantially increased to enable work on vital connectivities to progress at pace?

Answer from Louise Haigh

I have met the Scottish Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop, and look forward to a constructive working relationship with her. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that spending commitments are a matter for the spending review, but those negotiations and discussions are ongoing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask of ensuring substantial increases in capital funding was not addressed directly.

How: Looking Forward To Constructive Working Relationship, Negotiations Ongoing

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Q3 Jim Dickson Lab Dartford
Transport Environment
Context

The question arises from under-investment in the lower Thames crossing project, leading to air quality issues and disruption for residents near the over-capacity Dartford crossing.

Question

As a result of under-investment in the lower Thames crossing project, Dartford residents face a noxious cocktail of bad air quality and disruption, living as they do near the hugely over capacity Dartford crossing. Will my right hon. Friend consider making representations to the Treasury to ensure that the lower Thames crossing, which is a vital infrastructure project, is funded?

Answer from Louise Haigh

The decision around the development consent order for the lower Thames crossing is a quasi-judicial one. I am afraid I am unable to comment further than my written ministerial statement this week.

Not addressed: The specific ask of making representations to ensure funding was not addressed.

How: Decision Is Quasi-Judicial, Unable To Comment Beyond Previous Statement

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