Oral Answers to Questions

John Leech Excerpts
Thursday 19th April 2012

(12 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Theresa Villiers Portrait Mrs Villiers
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Sir David Higgins has come up with some great ideas exactly along the lines the hon. Lady mentions, which could considerably reduce the cost of delivering electrification. However, it is still expensive and still has to be affordable, so we will have to look at priorities.

John Leech Portrait Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD)
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Has the Secretary of State now calculated the cost associated with increasing the motorway speed limit to 80 mph and the increased number of casualties expected as a result of such a measure?

Justine Greening Portrait Justine Greening
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We would quantify the pros and cons of any move to 80 mph as part of the consultation we would publish, and obviously an impact statement would also be needed. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we want to reach an informed conclusion on this policy area and will announce our next steps shortly.