Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Julie Hilling Excerpts
Thursday 8th May 2014

(10 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
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I think I have just been setting out in the answers we have given the huge amount of investment that we are making in the new rolling stock that are coming on to our railways. I hope my hon. Friend’s frustration will not continue in the longer term.

Julie Hilling Portrait Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab)
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Given the loss of nine trains already to the south of England, what steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that more trains cannot be taken from TransPennine Express or Northern Rail during the direct award period before the franchise is re-let in 2016?

Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
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I understand very much the case that the hon. Lady makes for the services in Bolton, and I am keen to see those services improved and increased. As a result of the huge amount of money we are spending on investment in the railway sector, her constituents will get a far better railway in the future than they had under the previous Government.