Network North

Debate between Lord Davies of Gower and Baroness Taylor of Bolton

Wednesday 14th February 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Davies of Gower (Con)]

My Lords, the Ely area capacity enhancement programme comprises a series of infrastructure upgrades to increase rail freight and passenger capacity in the east of England. Ely is a key hub on the cross-country freight route from Felixstowe to the north Midlands. The other, via London, is at operating capacity. Existing infrastructure in the area and its layout limit the ability to operate additional passenger and freight services. The approximate cost for full delivery of the programme would be £550 million. The scheme would increase freight capacity into the Port of Felixstowe from 36 to 42 trains per day, but the good news is that this would be expected to remove 98,000 lorry journeys per year from the roads.

[Baroness Taylor of Bolton (Lab)]

Will the Minister arrange for himself and his colleagues to have geography lessons?

[Lord Davies of Gower (Con)]

I happen to have an O-level in it.