Oral Answers to Questions

Harriett Baldwin Excerpts

Thursday 27th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con)]

2. What plans he has for reform of the rail industry; and if he will make a statement.

[Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)]

8. What plans he has for reform of the rail industry; and if he will make a statement.

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip Hammond)]

Sir Roy McNulty’s rail value for money study has identified areas where significant efficiencies can be achieved. It is clear that the most pressing need is to align incentives across the industry to ensure closer working between Network Rail and the train operating companies. Our franchise reform programme is a key strand in the strategy. Those reforms, together with Sir Roy’s final recommendations, will form the basis of a long-term strategy for the industry. We are committed to publishing those proposals by November 2011.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Hammond]

We are committed to fair rail fares. Unfortunately, to support the rail investment programme, we have had to project faster-than-inflation increases in fares for the next three years. However, let us be clear: we have to get the cost of our railway down so that the burden on taxpayers and fare payers can be alleviated in future.

[Harriett Baldwin]

It takes 45 minutes longer to travel from London to Worcestershire along the Cotswold line now than it did in 1908. Will the Secretary of State agree to meet me and other representatives of the Cotswold line organisations to see how reform of the rail industry could help improve the timing and frequency of that service?

[Mr Hammond]

I understand my hon. Friend’s concern. Of course, there are far more stops and services than there were in 1908, but I am always delighted to meet her and other colleagues and would be happy to do so on this occasion.