High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill (Fourth sitting)

Alan Brown Excerpts

Thursday 3rd March 2016 Public Bill Committees

[Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (SNP)]

I welcome that example of Scottish Government forward planning for high-speed operation. This is just a reminder, but between Crewe and Scotland the trains will actually run slower than they do at present. Overall the journey time will reduce, but this is a wee reminder to the Minister that we need to look at some improvements on the existing line between Crewe and the border in order to try to allow compatible trains to run fast as well. I appreciate that overall there is a shorter journey time, and I do welcome that.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 51 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 52

Power to apply Act to further high speed rail works

Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.

[Mr Goodwill]

Clause 52 gives powers to apply the Act to further high-speed rail works; possibly the sort of works that the hon. Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun referred to. It allows the use of a Transport and Works Act 1992—TWA—order to gain the necessary provisions for extensions or additional works relating to phase 1 of HS2, beyond the works outlined in the Bill. That relates to relatively minor transport works, such as an additional track to connect to rail sidings. This power would not be used to promote future phases of HS2. Those would be subject to the hybrid Bill process. A TWA order cannot apply the provisions of the Bill that enable the Secretary of State to extend the time limit for the exercise of compulsory purchase powers or the provisions relating to listed buildings or ancient monuments.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 52 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 53

Rights of entry for further high speed rail works

Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.