Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Heaton-Harris and Pauline Latham

Thursday 9th September 2021 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con)]

20. If he will outline the process for selecting the location of the headquarters of Great British Railways.

[The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Chris Heaton-Harris)]

The formation of Great British Railways is still in its early stages. The location of its headquarters will be considered in due course.

[Mrs Latham]

The Minister will be aware of the central role that Derby has played in the history of British rail transport. Derby has also invested in the future of the industry, with local businesses helping to develop the UK’s first hydrogen trains. Does he agree that that combination of pedigree and potential would make Derby an excellent location for the new headquarters of Great British Railways?

[Chris Heaton-Harris]

My hon. Friend knows my affection for Derby, which I represented for 10 years in the European Parliament. She is right that Derby has played an important role in the history of rail in this country. I have heard her sales pitch this time and previous times loud and clear, but I have to say that the location of GBR’s headquarters will be considered in due course.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Heaton-Harris and Pauline Latham

Thursday 3rd December 2020 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con)]

What support his Department is providing to local authorities to increase levels of cycling and walking.

[The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Chris Heaton-Harris)]

The Government are investing £2 billion in active travel over the next five years, which is the biggest ever boost for cycling and walking.

--- Later in debate ---

[Chris Heaton-Harris]

I know that the hon. Gentleman is passionate about all things active travel. He will doubtless be pleased that the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has been allocated over £18 million in the two tranches of the active travel fund this year, and 143 “Fix Your Bike” vouchers have been given to his constituents, but the answer to his question is: shortly.

[Mrs Latham [V]]

In my constituency, the Derwent Valley Trust is trying to create a traffic-free cycleway along the beautiful Derwent valley, increasing tourism and enabling people to cycle to work safely. Will the Minister join me in commending their efforts and consider visiting the site with me to see the work that has been completed so far and how he can help to fund its continuation?

[Chris Heaton-Harris]

I commend the efforts of the Derwent Valley Trust and encourage it to work in partnership with Derbyshire County Council through the local cycling and walking infrastructure plan. As my hon. Friend knows well, Derbyshire has received more than £1.6 million in tranche two of the active travel fund, and decisions for the allocation of that are made locally, but I would be more than happy to meet her. I know that neck of the woods very well, and I know that her husband is a keen MAMIL—middle-aged man in Lycra—who uses the cycleways around there. I suppose I could don a bit of Lycra and join him and her on a ride.