Oral Answers to Questions

Charlie Elphicke Excerpts

Thursday 7th November 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr McLoughlin]

Of course I will consider any points that my hon. Friend has written to me about. Consistency in HS2’s responses on these lines that directly affect people is very important. I am disturbed to hear that inconsistent advice has been given by HS2, and I will want to look into it.

[Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con)]

3. What assessment he has made of the potential of High Speed 1 domestic services in Kent to expand.

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Patrick McLoughlin)]

I recognise the importance of domestic High Speed 1 services to the people and economies of Kent. The Department is currently negotiating a direct award with Southeastern, which operates them, in which we will consider what improvements can be made to services. We are also undertaking an evaluation study of the High Speed 1 infrastructure, which is due to report in spring next year.

[Charlie Elphicke]

I thank the Secretary of State for that answer. High-speed services are economically transformational for east Kent. Constituents of mine in Deal, and those in Sandwich, wish to have an all-day Javelin high-speed service. Will Ministers help to make that happen?

--- Later in debate ---

[Tom Brake]

I am not quite sure what the hon. Lady means by “the gagging Bill”. If she is referring to the transparency Bill, she will be aware that the lobbying aspect did have pre-legislative scrutiny, and she should be aware that the Government have responded, for instance, to Select Committee reports on this subject and engaged with a very large number of organisations that have a strong interest in this Bill.

[Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con)]

4. What assessment he has made of options for the reform of Private Members’ Bill procedure.

[The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Tom Brake)]

The Government are considering the recommendations contained in the report published by the Procedure Committee on 2 September and will respond shortly.

[Charlie Elphicke]

Will the Deputy Leader of the House join me in congratulating the Procedure Committee on an excellent report and consider implementing its recommendations for the timetabling of private Members’ Bills so that Back Benchers voices will be properly heard in this place?

[Tom Brake]

I congratulate my hon. Friend on pursuing these matters as vigorously as he does in relation to private Members’ Bills. I am afraid that I am not in a position today to tell him that the Government have responded, but I can tell him that we will respond very shortly to the Procedure Committee’s report, and indeed it contains some sound and strong recommendations that I am sure we will want to consider carefully.