Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Ben Bradshaw

Thursday 30th June 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr McLoughlin]

A number of improvements are coming to the c2c line. In the past, my hon. Friend has been incredibly critical, but he has welcomed many of the changes that have been brought in by the new franchise. Obviously, those take a bit of time to bed in, but I know he very much welcomes the extra availability and the new seats, and I hope to see those in operation as soon as possible.

[Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab)]

The Secretary of State will know that the rolling stock serving the south-west of England dates from the 1970s, and we are eagerly updating our new, updated trains. What assessment have he and his Department made of the impact of Brexit and the economic shock from Brexit on his overall investment plans for our transport system?

[Mr McLoughlin]

I am pleased to be travelling on one of the new intercity express programme trains later today to mark the 150 years of the part of the railways that serves his town and his constituency.

[Mr Bradshaw]

City.

[Mr McLoughlin]

I apologise to the right hon. Gentleman. The investment we have seen on his line, and the investment we are seeing in the new IEP trains and the new AT300s, which will serve places further into the south-west, are very welcome, and I am pleased that he welcomes that investment.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Ben Bradshaw

Thursday 28th January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr McLoughlin]

I am more than happy to do that. It is difficult to do these works. We tend to do them over bank holidays, when there is not so much usage on the network. I realise it inconveniences people who want to travel by train, but it is all part of a major and vital upgrade of our rail network.

[Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab)]

15. What additional investment the Government plan to make in rail infrastructure in the south-west during this Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Ben Bradshaw

Thursday 10th December 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr McLoughlin]

I rather thought that at this time of year people were turning lights on rather than off! I know that my right hon. Friend feels strongly about traffic lights, and I should be more than happy to look at Richard Tracey’s report, but, in the main, this is a matter for local highway authorities. Perhaps my right hon. Friend could exert some influence on those in his constituency.

[Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab)]

One of the principal causes of congestion in urban areas is, of course, illegal parking. What is the Secretary of State doing to make the enforcement system simpler and more effective?

[Mr McLoughlin]

That, too, is a matter for local highway authorities, which can employ the necessary measures and regulations.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Ben Bradshaw

Thursday 11th June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr McLoughlin]

All my colleagues are urging me to agree to extra investment and extra spending, and I am keen to do that where a good case can be made for it. I am sure that my hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility for rail will be more than happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the matter.

[Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab)]

T2. Can the Secretary of State clear up the confusion caused by the Chancellor’s recent comments about a separate rail franchise for Devon and Cornwall? He will be aware that those bits of the First Great Western franchise are the least profitable. Is there not a danger that they would be unviable on their own, and that we would suffer service cuts?

[Mr McLoughlin]

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor said what I would say as well—that we are always looking at ways to improve the franchising system and the service for passengers. I very much hope that new rolling stock will be announced for that particular line in the not too distant future.