Topical Questions 2020-10-22

2020-10-22

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Lilian Greenwood Lab
Nottingham South
Context
The MP noted that she is seeking an update on the Secretary of State's departmental duties and any statements he plans to make.
I am concerned about my departmental responsibilities and would like a statement from you, Mr Shapps, outlining your commitments for the coming weeks.
Today, I will be joining the great northern conference where I will reinforce the Government's belief in the northern powerhouse. Furthermore, I am announcing £35.4 million over the next 12 weeks to local authorities and operators in Sheffield, Tyne and Wear, Manchester, and Blackpool for trams operations.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Lilian Greenwood Lab
Nottingham South
Context
The MP highlighted the Government's recognition of evidence regarding the effectiveness of restrictions on new novice drivers and inquired about the abandoned work on researching social and economic consequences of a graduated driving license.
The government promised to commission research on the social and economic impact of introducing a graduated driving licence, but Baroness Vere told the Transport Committee that this work has been abandoned. Given 99 young drivers lost their lives in 2018 due to avoidable road crashes, what does this say about the Government's commitment?
While we have looked very carefully at the issue of introducing a graduated driving licence, our decision is based on the belief that there are other ways to provide safety without restricting freedom, such as black boxes in cars. This would be important for young drivers who need to drive back from work or libraries after 10 pm.
Assessment & feedback
The specific research commitment has not been addressed
Restricting Freedom
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Context
Concerned about the M6 being a vital artery for South Ribble, the MP requested an update on measures taken during the pandemic to ensure its continued operation.
The M6 is crucial for food supply and business logistics. During the pandemic, my right hon. Friend has been working with Highways England and others to keep it operational. Could you provide an update?
We have ensured that the arteries continue to flow by working with Highways England and other bodies to put in place measures while network usage was reduced, thereby supporting essential travel needs.
Assessment & feedback
No specific actions or commitments were provided
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Jim McMahon Lab Co-op
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Context
The MP highlighted the significant financial support given to rail operators but questioned why similar support has not been extended to Transport for London despite its vital role.
Rail operators have received substantial financial aid, including compensation for shareholder dividends. However, TfL workers in London face criticism from the Government. Why is there a disparity in support?
More money has gone to Transport for London than any other organisation. £1.6 billion has already been given, with another £1 billion on its way.
Assessment & feedback
The disparity in support was acknowledged but not addressed directly
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Jim McMahon Lab Co-op
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Context
The MP criticized the government for systematically targeting Labour Mayors while providing financial support to rail operators.
The Prime Minister left City Hall with a £1.1 billion deficit, which Sadiq Khan reduced by 71%. Why does the government not match interventions for TfL as it did for rail franchises?
More money has been given to Transport for London than any other organisation. The negotiations are ongoing, and we await the outcome.
Assessment & feedback
The disparity in support was acknowledged but not addressed directly
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Context
Concerned about the lack of public service obligations (PSOs) supporting regional connections in the UK compared to France, the MP requested an update on government considerations.
France has over 80 PSO-backed domestic aviation routes connecting its regions, while the UK has only four. What consideration is being given to backing more domestic routes with PSOs?
My hon. Friend points out that other countries have more PSOs; France has 37. We are looking at this through the regional airport review, and I know the PSO route from Newquay is important.
Assessment & feedback
The specific support for additional PSOs was not committed to
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Munira Wilson Lib Dem
Twickenham
Context
The MP questioned the fairness of a proposed transport tax to subsidise TfL, raising concerns about its impact on commuters outside London.
Millions from outside London use our transport system. Does it seem fair to impose a transport tax on pensioners in constituencies like Whitton and Hampton to support TfL?
Negotiations are ongoing. London receives more concessions than anywhere else in the country. We will need to await the outcome of these discussions.
Assessment & feedback
The equity issue was not addressed directly
Negotiations Are Ongoing
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about the strategic importance of a high-quality route for the south-west, particularly between Ilminster and Honiton.
I ask my topical question, Mr Speaker. I have previously raised this issue twice in Parliament due to its significance for the south-west. The Government are committed to creating a high-quality route along the A303/A358 from the A3 to the M5. However, they have no plans to dual the alternative A303/A30 route between Ilminster and Honiton.
The Government are committed to creating a high-quality route along the A303/A358 from the A3 to the M5. This will be the south-west strategic route. The Government have no plans to dual the alternative A303/A30 route between Ilminster and Honiton.
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment on reconsidering dualling of A303/A30 route
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about plans to construct a tunnel and bridge near an offshore arms dump in the UK, raising issues of environmental impact and political authority.
Will the Secretary of State confirm whether as part of his Government's power grab from the devolved nations, plans are being developed to construct a 28-mile long tunnel and bridge adjacent to the UK's largest offshore arms dump, with over 1 million tonnes of munitions dumped at the bottom of the sea? Does he accept that such a power grab will end up blowing up in his and his Government's face?
The hon. Gentleman may know that we recently launched the Union connectivity review, led by Sir Peter Hendy; we look forward to hearing what he says. The hon. Gentleman may also know that this Government at least are very keen to connect all four parts of the Union together as best as we possibly can, and will look at any good ideas to get that job done.
Assessment & feedback
Specific confirmation on construction plans and environmental impact
Changing Subject General Principles
Response accuracy
Q10 Direct Answer
Context
The MP is advocating for a freight terminal that would support local businesses and attract new investments, aiming to level up the area.
I have previously sent a letter highlighting the benefits of a freight terminal in Huncoat, which will support my businesses and attract new, and will really be a step towards levelling up Hyndburn and Haslingden. Will the Minister ensure that the Department considers this idea, and will she meet me to discuss it further?
I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend, who is a champion of levelling up for her area. I am aware of these proposals. As with other rail freight terminals, we expect the private sector to bring them forward, but we are working together closely on improving connectivity in Hyndburn.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about the implementation of anti-car road-blocking measures in Smethwick and London, which are causing traffic jams, longer journey times, and increasing pollution.
Under the cover of covid, the Department has been pushing councils to bypass normal procedures in order to rush in anti-car road-blocking measures. Two fine examples are on the dual carriageway in Smethwick, Tollhouse Way, and in London on the route to the M40 at Park Lane. These are creating traffic jams, longer journey times, and increasing pollution. When is the Secretary of State going to get a grip on this situation and get our roads moving again?
The right hon. Gentleman is right to highlight our focus on encouraging active travel through a huge investment in cycling and walking that has been welcomed by communities up and down the country. However, we are aware of some schemes, such as the ones he highlights, where better consultation with local communities and businesses would have resulted in better schemes. Local communities should be consulted fully before schemes are implemented.
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to address traffic issues caused by road-blocking measures
Changing Subject General Principles
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Matt Vickers Con
Stockton West
Context
The MP is advocating for improvements to Eaglescliffe train station, including disabled access, additional car parking and better access from Durham Lane.
For some time now, I have been pushing to get improvements to Eaglescliffe train station to improve disabled access, to get additional car parking and access from Durham Lane, and to hook it up with our incredible business park. Thanks to the Chancellor, the combined authority and Network Rail, we have the money and we are ready to roll, but patience is not a virtue that I possess. When can we get the shovels in the ground and get the thing going?
My hon. Friend has taken me to that station, and I am very keen to see matters progress. I am afraid that we will have to try his patience for just a little bit longer as these things work through the latest round of the Access for All projects.
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for starting improvements at Eaglescliffe train station
Changing Subject General Principles
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Helen Hayes Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Context
The MP is concerned about the financial impact of coronavirus on Transport for London, specifically its debt reduction before the pandemic and revenue loss during lockdown.
Will the Secretary of State confirm, because it is an important matter of fact that he has so far not acknowledged this morning, that before coronavirus, Transport for London's debts had been reduced by 71% from the level the Mayor inherited from the Prime Minister, his predecessor? Will he also confirm that the Government's instruction to people in March to stay at home and not to use public transport resulted in a collapse of more than 90% of Transport for London's revenue? Will he stop playing politics with London's transport system and work with the Mayor of London to keep it going?
When it comes to playing politics with these issues, I think we can hear where it is all coming from. The simple fact is that we have already funded £1.6 billion, and we are talking to the Mayor about another large injection of money.
Assessment & feedback
Specific confirmation on financial impacts before and during coronavirus
Changing Subject Attack
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Greg Smith Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Context
The MP is concerned about HS2 Ltd's heavy-handed actions in his constituency, such as possession of the Calvert Jubilee nature reserve and unannounced HGV movements.
HS2 Ltd likes to talk about being a good neighbour, but countless daily examples in my constituency, such as its heavy-handed possession of the Calvert Jubilee nature reserve or unannounced HGV movements through the village of Quainton, demonstrate that it is anything but a good neighbour. While I thank the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Andrew Stephenson), for his responsiveness to me on these matters, what steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that HS2 Ltd keeps to its commitments and that it faces real consequences if it does not?
The residents of my hon. Friend's constituency are lucky to have such a dedicated champion. My hon. Friend the Minister of State has recently requested a review of the land and property acquisition process to ensure that people along the route are supported, fairly compensated, and treated with compassion, dignity and respect.
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment on addressing non-compliance by HS2 Ltd
Changing Subject General Principles
Response accuracy
Q15 Direct Answer
Context
The MP is keen on increasing the number of electric vehicles in his constituency, aiming to utilise the rapid charging fund for strategic road networks as well.
As the Minister knows, I am very keen on increasing the number of electric vehicles in my constituency. Will she agree to meet me and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles to consider the possibility of allowing the rapid charging fund to be utilised in towns such as Hitchin in my constituency as well as on the strategic road network?
The Government are providing £500 million through the rapid charging fund over the next five years to support the roll-out of the infrastructure for electric vehicles. It would be a huge pleasure to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this further.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Taiwo Owatemi Lab
Coventry North West
Context
Residents in the rural areas of Coventry North West face challenges with late and missed bus routes, exacerbated by social distancing measures leading to capacity issues on buses.
My constituents in the more rural parts of Coventry North West often have to contend with bus services that are late and routes that are routinely missed out, made worse by the fact that they have to contend with being unable to board buses due to a lack of capacity. I am proud of the fact that the bus drivers are doing all that they can to ensure that social distancing measures are in place. However, will the Government commit to increasing bus services so that my constituents who use them, many of whom are essential workers, can safely get from one place to another without worrying about being late or being unable to enter the bus?
The Government have increased funding to subsidised bus services in the hon. Lady's constituency throughout the pandemic, but more than that, we are publishing a national bus strategy to address all these issues. We want to see bus services improved across the country.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to increasing specific bus services
Response accuracy