Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Evans and Norman Baker

Thursday 12th September 2013 Commons Chamber

[Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op)]

One in three blind or partially sighted people are spending about £30 a month on taxis because buses cannot accommodate them through the use of audiovisual equipment. What are the Government doing to change that?

[Norman Baker]

We give strong support to the bus industry through financial support directly to the operators, through the bus service operators grant, and through local authorities. Our reforms to the bus system through, for example, the BSOG reforms and the extra money provided for green buses are giving a welcome boost to the bus industry. That means that passenger numbers are roughly where they were at the end of the previous Government’s time in office.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Evans and Norman Baker

Thursday 23rd June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op)]

9. What recent discussions he has had with FirstGroup on the future of the First Great Western rail franchise; and if he will make a statement.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Norman Baker)]

Department for Transport Ministers and officials meet franchised train operators and their owners regularly. These discussions have included the decision which has been announced by First Great Western to exit the franchise in March 2013.

[Chris Evans]

On the electrification of the Great Western line, what action is being taken to ensure that the new franchisee works with Network Rail so that there is minimum customer disruption during that period?