Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly: Transport Needs

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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Andrew George inquired about transport challenges in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, highlighting concerns over school transport costs and commercial service operations without public subsidy.
  • The Minister stated that the Department has provided support to the Isles of Scilly during the pandemic and remains committed to regular engagement to enhance travel provision.
  • Ruth Cadbury questioned the Government's plans to improve bus services in rural areas like Cornwall, noting the current lack of development compared to cities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew George Lib Dem St Ives
Transport
Context

The MP noted numerous challenges since the general election, including concerns over expensive school transport, risk-free investment in Cornwall, and parity with Scotland for lifeline links to the Isles of Scilly.

Question

A great many other challenges have been revealed since the general election. There are worries about expensive school transport and risk-free investment in Cornwall, and there are also worries on the Isles of Scilly, where we seek parity with Scotland and the English mainland in respect of lifeline links to the islands and inter-island transport.

Answer from Mike Kane

All air and sea services are operated commercially without public subsidy. The Department has provided support particularly during the pandemic but its officials are committed to regular engagement with the local council to see how we can improve travel provision on the islands.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for meetings with MPs was not addressed

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Q2 Andrew George Lib Dem St Ives
Transport
Context

The MP highlighted challenges including expensive school transport, risk-free investment issues in Cornwall, and parity concerns for lifeline links to the Isles of Scilly.

Question

A great many other challenges have been revealed since the general election. There are worries about expensive school transport and risk-free investment in Cornwall, and there are also worries on the Isles of Scilly, where we seek parity with Scotland and the English mainland in respect of lifeline links to the islands and inter-island transport.

Answer from Mike Kane

All air and sea services are operated commercially without public subsidy. The Department has provided support particularly during the pandemic but its officials are committed to regular engagement with the local council to see how we can improve travel provision on the islands.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for meetings with MPs was not addressed

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Q3 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Transport
Context

The MP noted that while the Government's bus reforms are welcome, rural areas such as Cornwall face different challenges compared to urban Greater Manchester.

Question

While the Government's bus reforms are welcome, rural areas like Cornwall have some of the poorest bus services in England and less well developed partnerships than cities. What plans do the Government have to ensure that rural areas can benefit from better bus services?

Answer from Mike Kane

My hon. Friend is an incredible campaigner on transport matters, not just in her constituency but across the country. It is true that rural communities face different challenges, but the Government's better buses Bill will enable local authorities to take back control of our buses and improve services where they wish to do so.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific plans or commitments on how rural areas will benefit from improved bus services were provided

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