Rail Investment

John Leech Excerpts
Thursday 25th November 2010

(13 years, 12 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Hammond of Runnymede Portrait Mr Hammond
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I thought that the hon. Member for Eltham (Clive Efford) was referring to Thameslink services that will run out to the south-east. If I have misunderstood that, I shall look carefully at the question that he asked, and will write to both him and the hon. Lady.

John Leech Portrait Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD)
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I too welcome the news on new carriages, particularly given the broken promises of the previous Government. The Secretary of State has recognised the need for additional carriages on the Northern Rail franchise, but I remind him of the need to deliver those sooner rather than later.

Lord Hammond of Runnymede Portrait Mr Hammond
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The hon. Gentleman is right to refer to the broken promises of the previous Government. He will know that they promised 182 new carriages on the Northern Rail franchise, ordered 18, and delivered none. I hope that we will be able to do better than that for him.