Rail Investment

Justin Tomlinson Excerpts
Thursday 25th November 2010

(13 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Hammond of Runnymede Portrait Mr Hammond
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There seems to be a little bit of misunderstanding about this. The new Pendolino carriages have not been delivered. An acceptance test train will be delivered—in 2011, I believe—and acceptance trials will be required for certification of the additional train carriages. Virgin Trains Ltd is contracted to integrate those carriages into the Pendolino train sets, independent of what happens at the termination of the Virgin franchise on the west coast, so that work will go ahead.

Justin Tomlinson Portrait Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) (Con)
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I echo the calls to electrify the great western line fully, but I would press the Minister at least to secure the new fleet of all-electric trains with dual diesel use, to deliver much-needed faster journeys and greater capacity for my Swindon residents.

Lord Hammond of Runnymede Portrait Mr Hammond
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I have noted my hon. Friend’s point, and will take his comments into consideration.