Asked by: Gareth Thomas (Labour (Co-op) - Harrow West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with Network Rail on re-opening the Harrow and Wealdstone to Gatwick service; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Andrew Jones
There have been no discussions with Network Rail on this issue. There are frequent services between Harrow & Wealdstone station and London Gatwick Airport requiring one or two changes.
Asked by: Gareth Thomas (Labour (Co-op) - Harrow West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with representatives of Network Rail on increasing capacity at Harrow and Wealdstone station; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Andrew Jones
Ministers at the Department for Transport have not had conversations with Network Rail on increasing capacity at Harrow and Wealdstone Station. This station is managed by Transport for London and it would be their responsibility to consider any capacity changes at the station.
Capacity at Harrow and Wealdstone Underground station is a matter for the Mayor as transport is devolved in London.
Asked by: Gareth Thomas (Labour (Co-op) - Harrow West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make it his policy to enable local authorities to introduce ultra-low emission zones; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Jesse Norman
Local authorities already have powers under the Transport Act 2000 to implement Clean Air Zones. The Clean Air Zone (CAZ) Framework sets out the principles for the operation of Clean Air Zones in England. It provides the expected approach to be taken by local authorities when implementing and operating a Clean Air Zone. The full guide provided to local authorities is in the link below.
Asked by: Gareth Thomas (Labour (Co-op) - Harrow West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to tackle the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU without a deal on UK airports.
Answered by Chris Grayling
Leaving the EU with a deal remains the Government’s top priority. The Government has accelerated no deal preparations to ensure the country is prepared for every eventuality. It is the responsible thing to do. The EU has adopted a Regulation, giving UK airlines the rights to fly to and from the EU for 12 months in a no deal scenario, and the UK Government will provide at least equivalent rights to EU airlines. UK airports will continue under the same aviation security regime as they do now. The Government works closely with the aviation sector, including UK airports, and will continue to do so.
Asked by: Gareth Thomas (Labour (Co-op) - Harrow West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what preparations the Civil Aviation Authority has made to ensure aviation safety in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Jesse Norman
UK aviation has had an excellent safety record. Safety will continue to be a priority when the UK leaves the EU, with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) continuing to undertake the majority of regulatory tasks related to the UK aviation industry. The CAA is well advanced in preparing contingency plans to take on the responsibilities currently undertaken by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and are confident that these will be in place in time.
The Aviation Safety (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 provide for approvals issued by EASA or the competent authority of another Member State to be treated as if they were issued by the CAA. Furthermore, the CAA is working closely with UK airlines and aerospace organisations to provide information to support their preparations for the UK’s exit from the EU.
Asked by: Gareth Thomas (Labour (Co-op) - Harrow West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which EU agencies his Department plans to seek continued membership of after the UK has left the EU; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Chris Grayling
The Government’s position remains as set out in the White Paper “The future Relationship between the UK and the EU” published in July last year. This states we will seek participation in the European Aviation Safety Agency and co-operation with the European Maritime Safety Agency.
Asked by: Gareth Thomas (Labour (Co-op) - Harrow West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many officials from his Department have been seconded from their primary role to make preparations for the UK leaving the EU without a deal; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Jesse Norman
The Department has approximately 260 Full Time Equivalent staff currently working on EU Exit. The Department does not distinguish between those working on deal and no-deal scenarios.
Asked by: Gareth Thomas (Labour (Co-op) - Harrow West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which regulatory functions imposed by legislation for which his Department has responsibility are currently undertaken by trade associations; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Jesse Norman
To answer this question would require a review of every regulatory function in the Department, which would be disproportionately costly.
Asked by: Gareth Thomas (Labour (Co-op) - Harrow West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has received representations on noise and disturbance as a result of the decision by Chiltern Railway to use Wrexham diesel express buggies trains on the Marylebone to South Ruislip line; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Andrew Jones
No representations have been made to the Department for Transport on this matter.
Asked by: Gareth Thomas (Labour (Co-op) - Harrow West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if his Department will take steps to help taxi drivers who have been affected by the bankruptcy of Alpha Insurance to seek (a) reimbursement and (b) alternative insurance providers.
Answered by Nusrat Ghani - Minister of State (Minister for Europe)
The taxi and private hire vehicle drivers affected are likely to be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and, as Alpha Insurance was based in Denmark, some may also be protected under the Danish insurance guarantee scheme. The FSCS are working with the Danish parties to put in place the appropriate arrangements for claims to be handled.
We are aware that a number of brokers are working with affected policyholders to arrange alternative cover. All drivers must make sure that they have appropriate insurance in place before driving their vehicle.