Oral Answers to Questions

Ged Killen Excerpts

Monday 22nd January 2018 Commons Chamber

[Jake Berry]

I, too, like to refer to it as London Southend airport, which I think is its correct name. It is a real success story and has great potential for growth—it has an ambitious 2 million passenger target this year. Stobart Group has already invested £162 million in a new terminal. That puts London Southend airport at the heart of the Thames estuary commission’s growth plans.

[Ged Killen (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/Co-op)]

12. What discussions he has had with local authorities on local government contingency arrangements as a result of Carillion entering liquidation.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Jake Berry)]

We have been working in close partnership with the Local Government Association, which contacted affected local authorities before Christmas about the financial difficulties Carillion was facing to ensure that they have appropriate contingency plans in place. We will continue to work with the LGA to ensure that there is no, or minimal, disruption to public service.

[Ged Killen]

Following revelations in the Sunday Herald that Keith Cochrane, the interim CEO of Carillion, sits on the Government’s network of non-executive directors, can the Minister advise on whether he or anyone from his Department has taken advice from or held meetings with Keith Cochrane?

[Jake Berry]

I am not aware of any meetings taking place or advice being given. However, I will check the records when I return to the Department and write to the hon. Gentleman if there have been such meetings.