Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to place in the Library of the House a copy of the confidential document referred to in the Daily Telegraph on 18 December 2024, about the MV Ruby and its cargo of ammonium nitrate, as well as all correspondence with the Health and Safety Executive on this subject and any modelling of the dispersal of the chemical in sea water and its effect on marine life.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

The MV Ruby has completed the successful discharge of her cargo and is currently undergoing repair in dry dock. The document referenced by the noble Lord was an internal briefing note and thus not prepared for publication, and we do not intend to provide any further documentation.

Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what are the rules for All-Party Parliamentary Groups requiring them to advertise their future meetings; and who is responsible for monitoring and enforcing any non-compliance.

Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble

The arrangements for All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) are set out in the The All-Party Parliamentary Groups Guide to the Rules. This states that the chair of the relevant APPG is responsible for the publication of certain meetings at least a week in advance in the All-Party Notices. The meetings which require a notice are an annual general meeting; an extraordinary general meeting; or any other meeting where a vote is to be held or a decision taken, or where there is an outside speaker. The notice in the All-Party Notices must include the details of a parliamentary contact and, if relevant, the name of the outside speaker.

The Guide to the Rules was approved by the House of Commons Standards Committee following a resolution of the House of Commons.

Paragraph 10 of the House of Commons Code of Conduct provides that an MP who is the chair and registered contact of an APPG must ensure that the APPG complies with the rules on APPGs. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards may investigate alleged breach of those rules. Members of the House of Lords are not permitted to be named as the chair and registered contact of an APPG but may be an office holder.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made on developing the Avenue Verte cycle route launched at the UK–France Joint Leaders' Declaration in March 2023.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

The Avenue Verte cycle route was put in place in advance of the 2012 London Olympic Games, using existing National Cycle Network paths for the British section of the route. At the UK-France Joint Leaders’ Declaration, both nations agreed to promote the route in support of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. The Department of Transport commissioned Sustrans to deliver a series of promotional activities along the British side of the Avenue Verte walking and cycling route over 2024 and this is now complete. Sustrans is also assessing the feasibility of improving sections of the route as part of the Paths for Everyone programme.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 31 October (HL Deb col 1217), whether they will place in the Library of the House a copy of any information or advice received from the Health and Safety Executive.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

HSE’s advice on the risks associated with the MV Ruby contained information relevant to national security. It is currently preparing a redacted version of the advice. As soon as it is available I will ensure a copy is placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to ensure that its legal obligations to reduce nitrogen dioxide are met.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Officials from the Defra/Department for Transport Joint Air Quality Unit have been in regular contact and discussion with those in Greater Manchester Combined Authority, through Transport for Greater Manchester, throughout their development. We are currently considering the Greater Manchester proposals and will respond shortly.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 18 December (HL3382), whether they will publish a cost estimate for the construction of HS2 tunnels from Old Oak Common to Euston before construction work starts; and before its destination and design is published and approved, as required by government procurement rules.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

The Euston tunnels' scope is being delivered as part of the SCS Main Works Civils contract, and there are no plans for a new procurement process for this work. Due to commercial sensitivities, the department is unable to provide a specific cost breakdown for the Euston tunnels.

Previously published cost ranges for HS2 Phase One included the costs associated with the Euston tunnels. The Department is currently working with HS2 Ltd to review the Estimate at Completion (EAC) for HS2 Phase One. The results of this review, which include considerations of the Euston tunnels, will report to Parliament in due course.

Found: January 2025 10.15 am Watch the meeting Members present: Baroness Brown of Cambridge (The Chair); Lord Berkeley

Found: LORD BERKELEY 74_ Clause 6, page 3, line 38, at end insert— “(1A) The Secretary of State must give