All 2 Debates between Lord McLoughlin and Ben Gummer

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Ben Gummer
Thursday 25th April 2013

(11 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
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I will take that as one of many bids we will receive. I am very keen to invest in infrastructure for the long term, and various local authorities are putting forward a number of schemes. They will all be assessed and judged, and decisions will be made in the light of the resources available.

Ben Gummer Portrait Ben Gummer (Ipswich) (Con)
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T4. The Minister and the Secretary of State will know that the world’s largest financial centre is connected by the great eastern main line to some of the leading centres of research and development in the country, yet commuters and travellers can expect to use rolling stock that was unsuitable for travellers on the west coast main line 10 years ago. The Government have invested heavily in infrastructure. When will they be able to invest in rolling stock, too?

West Coast Main Line

Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Ben Gummer
Monday 15th October 2012

(12 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
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That is not what the last Secretary of State who sat in the Cabinet for the Labour party said, and it is not what I want to happen.

Ben Gummer Portrait Ben Gummer (Ipswich) (Con)
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May I say how pleased I am by the candour and assured manner with which the Secretary of State has dealt with this matter? He will be aware of the enormous importance that travellers, commuters and businesses in the eastern region attach to the letting of the new 15-year franchise. He received a delegation from me and my hon. Friends the Member for Norwich North (Miss Smith) and for Witham (Priti Patel) with great enthusiasm. Can he give any assurances that the programme and timetable for that franchise will not slip as a result of the decision that he has notified to the House?

Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
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It certainly should not slip. I can say to my hon. Friend that the recommendations that he and a number of colleagues have made to me have been fed into the process, and will I hope be reflected in the franchise when it is finally awarded.