Oral Answers to Questions

Christian Matheson Excerpts

Thursday 10th January 2019 Commons Chamber

[Christian Matheson (City of Chester) (Lab)]

11. What recent discussions he has had with Network Rail and train operating companies on plans to extend the electrified rail network.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Andrew Jones)]

This Government are investing at record levels in our rail network as part of the biggest rail modernisation programme for over a century to provide reliability and capacity. Passengers expect high-quality rail services, and we are committed to electrification where it delivers passenger benefits and value for money. We will also take advantage of state-of-the-art technology to improve services.

[Christian Matheson]

It strikes me that a lot of official capacity is currently being sucked out of the Department by preparations for a no-deal Brexit, and that is slowing up projects that should be pushing ahead. What progress is being made on plans for electrification of the Chester to Crewe and north Wales line or, if not electrification, on the procurement of the electro-diesel trains that are the next best option?

[Andrew Jones]

The work on Brexit is not in any way changing the delivery of service improvements across our rail network, and one has only to consider how much is happening across the network to prove that point. We are delivering a £50 million project to upgrade the north Wales railway, including a new signalling system, and rolling stock will be picked up as the franchise is renewed.