England-Wales Transport Links Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Transport
Clive Betts
Main Page: Clive Betts (Labour - Sheffield South East)Department Debates - View all Clive Betts's debates with the Department for Transport
(11 years, 9 months ago)
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Mr Williams
I commend the hon. Gentleman on his arrival. I am not sure whether he was here when I talked about timetabling. Franchise arrangements are slightly different in that instance, but there is a need for franchise agreements to ensure synergy between timetables, because one of my constituents’ persistent complaints is that we do not have the integrated approach that he and I both want.
I have used this at the end of many debates on Wales, and I say “chwarae teg” for trains in mid-Wales.
Mr Clive Betts (in the Chair)
Seven hon. Members want to speak. If I allow 10 minutes for the wind-ups, there is a maximum of seven minutes for everyone who speaks. I cannot enforce the guideline, which is advisory, but it would be helpful if Members kept to it.
Nia Griffith
Indeed, but for that to be successful we need many more through trains, and connectivity when we come into London so that we are not stopped half way because of difficulties in Reading, Bristol and the Severn tunnel area. I hope that the Minister will look at the matter in the round and try to improve our east-west connectivity in this country.
Mr Clive Betts (in the Chair)
Order. I intend to start the wind-ups no later than 10.40.
Mrs Siân C. James
I certainly agree. When I worked for the rail industry, we had more through trains. At the time, I described it as “the thin end of the wedge”, as we contracted that service, including the regular service down to the ferry ports in far-west Wales. It is not a joke when you are travelling there. It is very picturesque, lovely, and it is great to be on the train enjoying yourself, but it is a long haul, wearisome and sometimes very frustrating for people. I do not want them to be left with that impression of Wales. I want them to have the impression of Wales as a modern country with a modern infrastructure, so that they will want to come back.
Mr Clive Betts (in the Chair)
I thank everyone for their co-operation in ensuring that everyone could make a contribution, and for getting to the wind-ups on time.