Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Claire Perry and Stephen Phillips

Thursday 28th April 2016 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) (Con)]

T3. Every time I come across Network Rail, it seems to have a great deal of power, but to be utterly unaccountable to central Government. As we are seeing in Lincolnshire, that power can be used to frustrate growth infrastructure schemes that have the support of local authorities. What can the Minister do to ensure that Network Rail does not act to stop schemes that are in the best interests of local people and supported by local authorities?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Claire Perry)]

The best schemes are those that are strongly supported by local authorities, local enterprise partnerships and local businesses. Network Rail is in a new phase in which route responsibility will be devolved, and it will work to a set of investment plans that are agreed, based on important bottom-up analysis.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Claire Perry and Stephen Phillips

Thursday 28th January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) (Con)]

Since I have the ability to count, I think I will ask for question 11.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Claire Perry)]

Clearly a man who has had a double espresso this morning, Mr Speaker.

[Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) (Con)]

11. What discussions he has had with Network Rail on compensation for residents affected by the upgrade of the great northern great eastern line.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Claire Perry)]

I have regular discussions with Network Rail on a range of issues and this issue has not yet been raised. I am interested to hear more, because I was really proud to open the £280 million line upgrade. It has massively improved freight capacity and, potentially, passenger capacity. As part of the scope, Network Rail reduced track noise and vibration through the use of continuously welded rail.

[Stephen Phillips]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that answer, although I have to say I am astonished that she is unaware of this issue. I have been contacted by very large numbers of constituents who are suffering greatly increased noise and vibration following the upgrade of the line. I met Network Rail, which is adamant that it will neither mitigate those effects nor compensate residents. Will she put pressure on Network Rail and fire a rocket up it, so it actually does something to help?

[Claire Perry]

I am disappointed to hear this. There was a huge amount of consultation on the scheme, including with local schoolchildren to let them know the dangers of high-speed trains running through areas. If my hon. and learned Friend would perhaps set out his concerns in more detail, I will of course raise this at my next meeting.