Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Harrington of Watford and Lord McLoughlin

Tuesday 20th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Richard Harrington]

I am delighted to confirm to the hon. Lady that we are definitely introducing legislation on this subject. We will do so as soon as we possibly can within the parliamentary timetable.

[Sir Patrick McLoughlin (Derbyshire Dales) (Con)]

In his first answer, the Minister said that seven sector deals had been concluded. How many are still under negotiation and why are they taking so long?

[Richard Harrington]

Actually, I correct my right hon. Friend. I said that six sector deals had been concluded and more are in the pipeline. They are very complex. They involve a lot of industry money and many industrial partners who have never been involved in deals with the Government before. I would be delighted to meet him at any time to discuss how I am pushing these on as quickly as I can.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Harrington of Watford and Lord McLoughlin

Tuesday 17th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Richard Harrington]

The Government’s “Road to Zero” strategy, which was published last week, made it clear that there is a continuing role for clean diesel vehicles as we reduce carbon dioxide emissions from UK road transport. It has been generally welcomed by the automotive industry.

[Sir Patrick McLoughlin (Derbyshire Dales) (Con)]

We have seen tremendous investment in the motor industry over the years, not least in Toyota in Derbyshire. What are the Government doing to encourage more investment?

[Richard Harrington]

My right hon. Friend will be very aware of the number of meetings we have with the automotive industry and of how closely we are working with it on the sector deal. The Automotive Council met only in the past couple of weeks, and that was one of the top things on the agenda for discussion.

High Speed Rail

Debate between Lord Harrington of Watford and Lord McLoughlin

Monday 28th January 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr McLoughlin]

The hon. Lady is consistent, if nothing else can be said about the points that she makes; I had already anticipated the question before she had finished asking it. Yes, money is continuing to be spent on the west coast main line. I will look into the position with her local station, as I promised to last time she asked me a question. I failed to write to her then, and I will certainly do so this time.

[Richard Harrington (Watford) (Con)]

I commend the Secretary of State and the Government on this courageous and very significant announcement on HS2. It is particularly of interest to the cities with new stations, but what does he think the effect will be on my constituents in a place that will not be directly affected but is suffering from very poor capacity and a very poor service from London Midland?

[Mr McLoughlin]

My hon. Friend hits on one of the fundamental reasons why we need to build HS2. It is not just a matter of journey times but capacity. Freeing up capacity will allow us to have more services from areas such as my hon. Friend’s, as is so desperately needed.