Flooding: Transport Disruption
Debate between Angela Smith and Lord McLoughlin(10 years, 10 months ago)
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Mr McLoughlin
The last major review we carried out covered the way in which the Department responded to extreme cold weather, and to snow and ice in particular. A lot of resilience factors were built into the network as a result of that. We learn from any kind of event, and we try to ensure that those lessons are put to good use. I hope that that answers the hon. Gentleman’s question.
Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab)
What is the Secretary of State’s estimate of the cost to businesses of the severe travel disruption?
Mr McLoughlin
At this stage, it is too early to give an exact figure. I have heard examples of some very stoical people going to exceptional lengths to get to work and keep their businesses operating, but at this stage it is too early to give the hon. Lady an exact answer.
High Speed Rail
Debate between Angela Smith and Lord McLoughlin(11 years, 10 months ago)
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Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab)
I welcome the Secretary of State’s commitment to a south Yorkshire-based approach to the placement of the HS2 station in the Sheffield city region. Indeed, the choice of Meadowhall suggested today seems to offer a reasonable way forward. Will he consider ensuring, however, that the enabling aspects of the hybrid Bill contain at least a commitment to phase 2? Let us separate the enabling from the quasi-judicial aspects of the Bill.
Mr McLoughlin
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for that suggestion and will think on it a little more.